What is love interest? How to use in English

The term "love interest" originated in the early 20th century when Hollywood films began to increasingly feature romantic storylines. It was originally used as a marketing term by studios to refer to the male or female character with whom the protagonist falls in love. The phrase gained popularity during the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s, heavily used by film critics and publishers to describe potential romantic partners in film and literature. Over time, "love interest" has become a common term used in various forms of media, including television, theater, and novels, to describe a character who plays a significant role in the romantic plotline. The evolution of the term has allowed for more diverse representations of love interests within popular culture, including non-heteronormative and non-traditional relationships. It has also led to discussions around the portrayal and representation of love interests in media, and how they contribute to our understanding of love and relationships. In short, the origin of the word "love interest" reflects the historical context and cultural landscape of the time it emerged, providing insight into how romantic storytelling continues to evolve and shape our understanding of love in media today.