I would say, there are so many steps before sex. Getting affectionate to each other is important ... just holding hands, eye to eye contact, smiles etc. Prolonged affection moves into love which has emotional value more than physical touch ... caring, sharing experiences, feeling safe indicates its love. Even when sexual relationship starts .... romance, excitement followed by actual sex.
Thats real sexual relationship ... give it a name or not. But sex is just 5% of this journey.
Sorry to say but otherwise - even who** also gives pleasure.