He didn't know a person well and didn't have much contact with him, but he just liked him. Was this love?

Strictly speaking, love is a strong emotion that usually includes deep feelings and concern for a person, animal, thing, or concept. Although we may have a certain degree of liking for someone or something, this is not the same as love. In some novels, the author may use the word "like" to express his appreciation and interest in someone or something, but it does not mean that it is true love. Love usually requires more emotions and interactions such as care, support, understanding, and sacrifice. So although we can like someone or something, we can't really love them. However, this does not mean that we should not enjoy contact and interaction with someone or something because emotions and interests can also bring us happiness and satisfaction.