@brsajo Squishes and crushes are not mutually exclusive. I've had two scrishes (love that word, btw), and I can relate to some of what you're feeling. This is how I tend to feel:
Hey, they did something interesting/weird/cool that most people wouldn't have the courage/creativity/craziness to do in public. I like that. I want to get to know them better.
I want to make them happy. I don't care if I'm doing this as their friend or lover. If they asked me to leave them alone forever, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
Sometimes I might get jealous if I think they are crushing on someone else, but it's because I'm worried they'll stop being friends with me, not because they might be crushing.
I can easily name a whole bunch of traits that I like about them.
I feel as if I've known them forever.
I trust them.
Physical intimacy is nice, but unnecessary and significantly less important than emotional intimacy.