William Congreve was born in West Yorkshire, England on 24 January, 1670, and he died in London, England on 19 January, 1729. Thus, he was born a decade after 1660, the date when King Charles II was "restored" the the English throne. This date, 1660, marks the beginning of the literary period known as the "Restoration," a period starting in 1660 and normally held to end in the early eighteenth century (roughly 1710, though scholarly opinions vary). Congreve is thus known as a "Restoration" dramatist, and Love for Love is a "Restoration comedy." Such comedies are characterized by being concerned with politeness and manners, having intricate plots, including risque conduct such as adulterous affairs and gambling, and displaying sparkling verbal wit. Despite their complex plot twists, the settings of these plays were realistic, portraying the contemporary world.

Love for Love was first performed on 30 April, 1695, in London. The play is set in Valentine's lodgings and Foresight's house, both of which are in London. For its time period, it would have been contemporary with the date of performance.