A term of endearment is a word or phrase used to address or describe a person, animal or inanimate object for which you feel love or affection according to the Cambridge English Dictionary. Terms of endearment are used for a variety of reasons, such as parents addressing their children and lovers addressing each other.
Definitely it deals with emotions and revealing them to those that stir them in us. This can be through words or actions. Confessions of poems or sweet names such as pumpkin, sweetheart, sugar, baby, cutie and honey just like French has all kinds of interesting words including a rather odd assortment of barnyard animals such mon canard (my duck) while actions on the other hand have a wide scope since emotions are revealed on preferences and willingness.
However, lately endearment has lost meaning. Like Judas selling Jesus out with a kiss or people referring to strangers as darling. Others regard it as a politeness strategy but I think it is ignorance and naivety for instance in an informal setting like a pub, a term like mate, or sweetie, shifts the focus of the request away from its imposition toward the camaraderie existing between interlocutors.
Per contra it is better to refer to your Boss as sir or madam, as well as address your neighbor in an appropriate manner but not baby or sweetheart. It is inappropriate and horrendous!
Thank you Dr. A.A.D. Your participation and contribution are highly appreciated.