: Filmed in Paris, the video features Jones exploring the city and a park, including a distinctive rotating skull sculpture that many fans still find memorable.

: Fans on platforms like Reddit and Facebook often revisit the track for its "ageless" production and lyrics that "hit differently" as listeners get older.

Howard Jones’ "What Is Love" is often celebrated in music discussions as more than just a 1980s synth-pop hit; it is an introspective challenge to the standard tropes of romantic dependence. Jones has stated he intentionally avoided writing about typical "I love you, baby" heartbreak to instead explore a more philosophical question: .

: Jones’ core philosophy for the song is that for a relationship to truly work, both individuals must first know who they are and be able to stand on their own. He argues that depending on another person for your happiness only leads to misery.

: During his early years, Jones famously incorporated a question mark into his branding—appearing on posters as "Howard Jones?"—to reflect this spirit of inquiry.

Key insights often shared in "useful" posts about the song include: