Love can mean so much more than just "romantic so we have sex". I love sex. I am willing and happy to have casual sex. (I am Gen-X- 50 yrs) To me, causal sex without "love" is not a problem, it doesn't make the experience less... it is still enjoyable, everyone gets what they want (hopefully) and we go on our merry way.

That doesn't mean I don't LOVE people I have sex with too. I am polyamorous, so for me love comes in so many additional flavors. (I think it does for everyone if they examen what that word really means to them.)

I've dated a man for 7 years- long distance- semi-regular meetings. We are never going to "go anywhere" we don't call our relationship a romantic love relationship- but we have an amazing connection, the sex is INCREDIBLE, we are very good friends and have absolutely no plans to end our relationship any time soon. This is 100% a love relationship as far as I am concerned.

I really don't think it is an either/or as your questions seems to ask. I think we can have both if that is what we want (and can make happen safely.) One doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the other and that's ok.