mostly because we're lazy in language but yes
this word is used loosely, freely, and in so many varied contexts.

so what does it mean to love?
i feel it now. even when i don't know the other so well.
but i feel it also when i see how much my friends care for me and how pampered i am by them.
the rush of goodwill, the genuine joy, warmth and affection i have for my friends and for you
makes me think that love, whatever it is, isn't really that complicated.
yes, it probably has different degrees, shades and hues.
in time to come, it may deepen or peter out
but even so, that doesn't negate the flow of concern and affection one feels right now.

i don't say it because i think it will embarrass the other.
but even in the simplest ways and in different types of relationships,
i think it is love.

Love is real, real is love
Love is feeling, feeling love
Love is wanting to be loved

Love is touch, touch is love
Love is reaching, reaching love
Love is asking to be loved

Love is you
You and me
Love is knowing
We can be

Love is free, free is love
Love is living, living love
Love is needing to be loved

- John Lennon, Love