Love Bombing

A pattern where someone overwhelms a new partner with attention, affection, compliments, and intensity very early in a relationship. Can be a deliberate manipulation tactic (common in narcissistic patterns) or an unconscious anxious attachment behavior. Creates artificial intimacy fast. Often followed by a dramatic withdrawal, which creates confusion, dependency, and trauma bonding. The intensity is the warning sign, not the warmth.

Origin

Popularized 2010s; term from 1970s cult research