Love and romance continue to be important issues within every age group, not merely among the usually studied college students. Two issues, the nature or intensity of the love experienced and the motives or purposes of love were examined for different age groups. The ways in which the pursuit of heterosexual love may change throughout adult life was studied. Similarities centered on shared definitions of romance but differences centered on the interpretation of love at the different ages. In younger years love was equated with emotional and physical excitement and romantic love was seen as passionate. In the middle years romance was seen in terms of companionship, security, and pragmatic benefits. In a quantitative study of mostly married men (N=71) aged 30-55, respondents placed the highest value on companionship and security in their marriages. In later life, falling in love had some symptoms of relationships in early life, but the companionate nature of love was seen as more important than passion or physical symptoms. A study of persons (N=60) aged 60 and older, and presently dating, indicated that while intimacy needs were still important, the exchange principle of rewards versus the costs of a relationship became a factor. The data supports the notion that the definitions of romance and romantic symbols evolve very little as one ages, but definitions of love take on a more pragmatic and companionate aspects as one ages. (ABB)