What Are the Different Types of Love?

Ah, love. We know it, we want it and, of course, we love it. But did you know that there are many types of love? All the way from romantic love to self-love, there is plenty of it to go around. "Love isn't one note; it has different 'flavors' that show up across a relationship's life span," says Andrea Gleim, a psychologist and speaker. "In practice, the healthiest partnerships blend a few types at once, think chemistry, friendship and commitment working together."

But what are the different types of love? How many different types of love are there? There's plenty to learn. Plus, learning about the different Greek types of love can have its benefits—from building a healthy relationship to discovering your attachment style—so that you can have the love you deserve.

In this article:

• Eros, Romantic Love
• Philia, Friendship Love
• Storge, Familial Love
• Ludus, Playful Love
• Pragma, Practical Love
• Philautia, Self-Love
• Agape, Altruistic Love
• Mania, Obsessive Love

What are The Different Types of Love?

So, you might be thinking, "I thought there was only one type of love?" Well, you were myth-taken (much like the types of love Greek mythology tells us about.) There are, in fact, eight types of love. According to Gleim, ancient Greeks had different words for love, too: eros, philia, storge, ludus, pragma, philautia, agape and mania.

"Modern psychology built on that by describing love styles like eros, ludus, storge, mania, pragma, agape, and breaking love into components, like intimacy, passion and commitment," she explains. Translation? Language and science give us a helpful map, Gleim adds, but your relationship is the living experience. Knowing what type of love you're experiencing, though, is key.

1. Eros, Romantic Love

Eros is, of all the different types of love, what we think of as love—aka romantic love. This feels like a spark, desire or even butterflies. "In a relationship, this is great for attraction and novelty; it lasts when you also build trust and daily care," Gleim explains. "It's the 'I can't wait to see you' energy early on or planning a surprise date to keep the spark alive."

2. Philia, Friendship Love

Philia, on the other hand, is friendship love. It feels like trust and laughter. Think: "I can exhale with you." "In a friendship, this type of love predicts stability; you become best friends who choose each other," Gleim says. "Sharing inside jokes while you tackle wedding planning or Sunday errands together."

3. Storge, Familial Love

Storge, also known as familial love, feels like a steady, safe space. Like, "You're my home." "In a relationship, storge can grow through rituals and reliability," Gleim shares. "Like your partner warming up the car, making your coffee or checking on you after a long day."

4. Ludus, Playful Love

What's more fun than a playful love? That's ludus—you know the one; the love that feels flirty, light and fun. "In a relationship, ludus can be energizing unless one person needs more commitment than the other," Gleim says. "It could be playful banter, spontaneous adventures or a silly dance in the kitchen.

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5. Pragma, Practical Love

If you want the love that's more long-game, end goals type, then you're onto pragma. This type of love feels like a long-term partnership, planning and sharing goals. "In a relationship, pragma helps couples navigate money, timelines, family plans and values," she says. "Like making a budget, aligning on careers or choosing where to live without losing the us."

6. Philautia, Self-Love

There is something really special and beautiful about loving yourself for who you are. Philautia is having self-respect and compassion for you. "In a relationship, philautia looks like healthy boundaries and better repair after conflict," she says. "Like apologizing without self-shame, asking for what you need and giving your partner the same grace."

7. Agape, Altruistic Love

Have you ever heard of agape? This is the love of generous care and showing up because you choose to do so. "[Agape] is beautiful when paired with self-respect; unhelpful if it erases your needs," Gleim explains. "Like taking the 3 a.m. newborn shift so your partner can sleep, while also asking for your own rest later."

8. Mania, Obsessive Love

Mania is known as the obsessive or possessive type of love. And it's just like it sounds: having highs and lows, a lot of jealousy and even panic if you feel distance. "In a relationship, this often stems from insecurity and can become controlling or exhausting," Gleim says. "Like checking phones, needing constant reassurance or spiraling when texts aren't immediate."

So, how do you use this in real life? Well, according to Gleim, lasting couples tend to nurture philia and storge (friendship and safety), protect pragma (shared plans), and keep dosing eros (intentional romance). Balance generosity with self-respect. It's no surprise, too, that healthy agape thrives when philautia (self-love) is present, too. Watch the red flags, though. If mania is driving the relationship—constant jealousy, control or volatility—press pause, set boundaries and consider support.

Remember: Seasonality is also normal with every type of love. During milestones like engagements, moves, children or even career shifts, some types of love naturally rise while others may need attention. But the beauty of it is that, in any season, you can intentionally cultivate what's missing.