"Score" refers to a basic unit of treasure in the Fairy kingdom; reclaiming and accruing score is the main objective of the game.
Score is primarily generated during and after encounters with Newphys. The more pleasure one can deliver in a combo, the more score the newphy sprays out of them when they swoon.
Upon returning to town, all score is converted to the standard fairy currency, Pannies, with various bonuses (ie: from levels or difficulty) or penalties (ie: from failing missions or having to be rescued) applied at this time as multipliers.
Shiny gems
Example of small score "gems" spinning in place.