What is the ruling on sex, sexual talk, and practicing certain sexual positions, whether through imagination or via phone or internet, between a male and a female who are not in a lawful relationship, but who share a love that will lead to marriage?

Speaking in terms that describe or encourage sexual relationships between individuals who are not married is one of the greatest abominations, due to its incitement to indecency and closeness to zina (unlawful sexual intercourse). Practicing certain sexual acts while awake, through remembrance, indulging in fantasies, masturbation, and the like, is impermissible. As for what occurs during sleep, its ruling is that of dreams. Love before marriage, if it involves forbidden speech, meetings, or other forbidden matters, is impermissible, and the possibility that the relationship might lead to marriage does not make it permissible.