An aromantic is someone who rarely or never experiences romantic attraction and does not feel the need for romantic relationships. Aromantics do seek personal and emotional connections in their relationships. They simply do not include romantic components like hand holding and cuddling. Aromantics seek out emotional support via platonic relationships.
Aromantics can develop the aromantic equivalent to crushes. These are generally referred to as squishes. It is possible for aromantics to develop relationships that are quite intense. They are more intense than a typical frienship and not a romantic relationship. This is known as a queerplatonic relationship.