Being Sued For Unjust Enrichment By Former Maternal Figure

Hi all, looking for some general guidance on a situation I’m dealing with in Pennsylvania. I am 24F, in college and in a mild amount of debt, probably less than average for my age and career.

Location: Pennsylvania

I was recently served with a civil complaint by a former friend who is claiming I owe her approximately $12,000. The issue is that the money/items she’s referring to were given to me as gifts, and financial help (groceries, furniture) during our friendship, there was never any written agreement, repayment plan, or discussion that this was a loan.

For context, this person was somewhat of a maternal figure in my life, but the relationship could also be controlling at times. Our relationship ended after a personal disagreement — I did not tell her I had reconnected with an ex, which she viewed as a betrayal. After that, we mutually cut off contact, and shortly afterward she filed this claim.

Now she is asserting that the money was a loan and is seeking repayment.

I have extensive text message history that supports my position — including messages indicating the money was given voluntarily and without expectation of repayment.

A few questions:

How do courts typically distinguish between a gift vs. a loan in situations like this?

Does the burden of proof fall on her to prove it was a loan?

How strong is text message evidence in a case like this?

Is this something that’s commonly dismissed if there’s no written agreement?

Additional context:

No contract was ever signed

No repayment terms were ever discussed

No prior requests for repayment until after the relationship ended

This was a personal (not business) relationship

I’m planning to defend myself, and I have an awesome family friend lawyer who is stepping in to help me. From what it appears, she does not have a lawyer. but trying to understand how serious this is and what to expect.

Thanks in advance for any insight.