It fits the pattern of a predatory relationship, IMO. Young people who are manipulated like this, often get wrapped up in fantasy and are frightened by it. The emotions of a "relationship" like this swing from love, to fear, to shame, to anxiety, to love, etc. all the time. It is no different than any other abusive relationship. Think of adult women in abusive relationships. They fear their abuser, but still stay. They still love. They want to desperately leave one day and see incredibly redeeming qualities the next. They hate them one day, and then will defend them to others the next. It's a pattern of abusive, manipulation, and exploitation. It makes sense to me.
JMO.