From a forehead kiss to a kiss on the cheek, different types of kisses have very different meanings. Research has shown that there are more than a dozen types of kisses, with some of them having romantic, friendly, or affectionate meanings.
Beyond communicating different emotions, kissing offers many important health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and boosting happy hormones. Here are 29 types of kisses and how you can introduce them into your kissing repertoire!
Romantic Kisses
Think of romantic kisses as the kind you see in romantic comedies. These kisses are filled with love and emotion for your partner and communicate how smitten you are with them.
1. Single-lip Kiss
The single-lip kiss is a great one for beginners. This kiss involves kissing your partner’s bottom lip while they kiss your top lip, or vice-versa. This type of kiss is a playful tease.
2. Lean-in Kiss
A lean-in kiss is the type you might give on your way out the door in the morning, while your hands are full of your keys and purse. Your bodies won’t be close during this kiss and your neck will be doing most of the leaning in. This is a sweet type of kiss great for hellos and goodbyes with your partner.
3. Prolonged Kiss
A prolonged kiss is a deeply romantic one that many couples share after a long time apart from one another where both parties don’t want to break away. A good mental picture of this kiss is the iconic photo of the World War II soldier kissing a nurse in Times Square. This is a passionate and romantic type of kiss.
4. Licking Kiss
Build anticipation with your partner by leaning in for a kiss but instead tracing the outline of their lips with your tongue.
The perfect kiss starts with a whiter smile. Take our free smile quiz now →
5. Palm of the Hand Kiss
The palm of your hand is a highly sensitive area and one that’s often overlooked when it comes to kissing. This is a good kiss to communicate your desire for your partner.
Steamy Kisses
The most sensual type of kiss, steamy kisses are best shared behind closed doors. Be sure to communicate with your partner before trying a steamy kiss to ensure you’re both on the same page when it comes to comfort levels.
6. French Kiss
The classic French kiss takes a bit of time to master. It requires the perfect combination of tongue, saliva, and movement and is one of the steamiest types of kisses out there. Once you have your technique down, a French kiss is a great skill to have in your arsenal —and it can evenburn caloriesdepending on how intense your makeout session gets.
7. Breath Kiss
Breath kissing with your partner can be a great way to build intimacy. While kissing, match your breathing with your partner’s. When they inhale, you inhale. This type of kissing can be very sensual.
8. Love Bite/Hickey
More of a sucking action than kissing, a love bite or hickey is one to plant on your partner’s neck. This type of kiss indicates your romantic desire for your partner.
9. Vampire Kiss
Don’t worry, a vampire kiss isn’t as scary as it sounds. This is a deep and passionate kiss on your partner’s neck that involves a bit of gentle biting. A vampire kiss is a sensual kiss best for alone time rather than a public setting.
10. Earlobe Kiss
The earlobe kiss is a great way to spice up your kissing style. The earlobe is an especially sensitive part of the body with loads of sensory receptors, which makes it the perfect spot to kiss as you’re deep in a makeout session.
11. Wet Kiss
The wet kiss is an open-mouthed kiss that can involve as little or as much tongue as you and your partner want. These kisses are typically reserved for passionate embraces and indicate desire for your partner.
Unexpected Kisses
Unexpected kisses are a good type to pepper into your kissing repertoire. These kisses are a great way to mix up your typical kissing style and remind your partner how much you adore them.
12. Butterfly Kiss
The butterfly kiss is an especially intimate and romantic type of kiss. All you have to do is sit close to your partner and let your lashes flutter together like butterfly wings as you kiss. This kiss means you’re head over heels for your partner.
13. Jawline Kiss
This exploratory type of kissing can be a sensual way to switch up your traditional lip kissing style. Kiss your partner’s jaw where it meets their neck and work your way into other parts of their body.
14. Neck Kiss
Not to be confused with a hickey, a neck kiss is more of a peck than a deep kiss. This is a playful kiss meant to let your partner know how much you care for them.
15. Body Kiss
Especially sensual, body kisses are a great way to indicate arousal to your partner. Some ideas of places to place a body kiss include the chest, stomach, torso, and legs.
16. Wrist Kiss
A wrist kiss is a cute one you can plant on your partner in public without going overboard with the public displays of affection.
17. Nibble Kiss
You can add a nibble into almost any kind of kiss. Apply a little bit of pressure and let go. Remember to be gentle and gauge your partner’s reaction to see if it’s something they enjoy.
18. Back-of-the-Neck Kiss
The neck is a sensitive area, and the back of the neck is an often ignored part of the body. Experiment by planting a kiss there and see what happens.
Sweet Kisses
Perfect for public places, sweet kisses are thoughtful and kind gestures to let your partner know they’re on your mind.
19. Forehead Kiss
A forehead kiss communicates your affection for another person. This type of kiss means that you care deeply about them and they mean a lot to you.
20. Angel Kiss
Also known as an eye kiss, the angel kiss is one that’s placed on the closed eyelids of your partner. It indicates fondness and can be a sweet way to wake your partner up in the morning.
21. Cheek Kiss
Often shared as a greeting in Europe, the cheek kiss involves one or two light kisses between friends, family or even new acquaintances. When shared with a potential partner, it can help you gauge their interest.
22. Nose Kiss
The nose kiss is more of a greeting than a traditional kiss. This kiss involves rubbing your nose against your partner’s. It’s an intimate and sweet gesture to show your partner how much you adore them.
23. Hand Kiss
A very formal type of kiss, the top of the hand kiss doesn’t have to indicate affection. This type of kiss is more of a polite gesture between new acquaintances.
24. Peck
This simple, light kiss is frequently used early on in the relationship to show your interest while taking things slow.
25. Blowing A Kiss
Blowing a kiss is a fun and flirty way to say goodbye. Pucker your lips and blow the kiss toward your partner before you leave.
26. Nose Peck
A quick kiss on the nose is a cute gesture to show your partner that you find them adorable. It’s an unexpected kiss and will leave you both smiling.
Adventurous Kisses
Switch up your kissing style with these fun and surprising kiss types. Adventurous kisses are a great way to show how much you care for your partner and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to prove it.
27. Spiderman Kiss
Made famous by Peter Parker, the spiderman kiss isn’t as dangerous as you might think. You could try out the Spiderman kiss as your partner lays on the couch and you lean over them to plant a kiss on their lips.
28. Lizard Kiss
A lizard kiss is definitely not for everyone. Similar to a French kiss, this type of kiss involves sticking your tongue in and out of your partner’s mouth quickly. This is best for couples who know each other well and want to try something new.
29. Ice Cube Kiss
Switch things up by icing down your next kiss. Keep an ice cube in your mouth until it dissolves and then French kiss your partner. This is a fun kiss to try on a hot summer day.
Kissing Statistics
Beyond the butterflies in your stomach when you kiss the person you love, kissing offers some incredible health benefits. If you’re still not convinced, check out some of the kissing facts and statistics we’ve rounded up below.
- The longest recorded kiss lasted 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds, which was achieved by Thailand natives Ekkachai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranarat on February 12–14, 2013 (Guinness World Records).
- Bad kissing can have negative effects on relationships. In fact, 59% of men and 66% of women said they’ve ended a relationship because of their partner’s bad kissing technique (Time).
- Couples who kissed often were more likely to share the same oral microbiota, which can lead to stronger immune systems (Microbiome Journal).
- Just like human fingerprints, no two lip impressions are the same (NCBI).
- Research shows that kissing may have evolved from a feeding technique. Primate mothers chewed food for their young and then fed them mouth-to-mouth and with their lips puckered. Researchers believe this habit developed into a way to show love and affection (Scientific American).
- A study shows that men who kissed their spouses every morning missed less work due to illness, got in fewer car accidents, and lived about five years longer than th
- ose who did not kiss their spouse on a daily basis (Psychology Today).
- Romantic kissing can strengthen the bond between you and your partner and increase the feeling of satisfaction in your relationship (NCBI).
- Men and women kiss for different reasons. Women tend to use kissing as a way to find out if they want to date someone long-term, while men tend to kiss because it feels good and can serve as a means of arousal (Albany.edu).
- Kissing makes your brain release happy chemicals and hormones, including oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin (Healthline).
- A 2017 study found that most people tilt their head to the right when they go in for a kiss (Science Daily).
- Just 15 minutes of kissing can lower cortisol levels, which helps alleviate stress and anxiety (Scientific American).
Bottom Line: Kissing Is Good for You
Sharing a kiss with your partner is a great way to build your bond and let them know you care in a variety of ways. After learning the differences between kisses and what they mean, you can now confidently communicate your feelings to your partner.
While you’re preparing to pucker up, don’t forget to take care of your oral health, too. A healthy mouth is an important aspect of any kiss, so be sure to brush your teeth,prep your lips, and brighten up your smile withteeth whitening toolsto put your best smile forward.
The perfect kiss starts with a whiter smile. Take our free smile quiz now →
FAQs
What are 25 types of kiss? ›
- FRENCH KISS. One of the most passionate ways to kiss, a French kiss tops the list of kisses! ...
- SINGLE LIP KISS. ...
- LIZZY KISS. ...
- AMERICAN KISS. ...
- ICE KISS. ...
- NIBBLE KISS. ...
- LIP TRACE KISS. ...
- BUTTERFLY KISS.
A body kiss is a way to make your makeout session more intimate or erotic, or it can be a form of foreplay. "You can kiss various body parts like earlobes, sides of necks, insides of wrists, and other hot spots, where blood flow is close to the surface of the skin," Brown-James says.
What does different types of kisses mean? ›02/8On the cheek
This indicates affection and intimacy between two people. In many cultures, a kiss on the cheek is also a form of greeting 'hello'. A slight brush of your lips on your partner's cheek can instantly brighten them up on a gloomy day.
Sucking your partner's lips: One of the most seductive ways to kiss ever, take your partner's upper or lower lip, and passionately suck it. Switch after a few seconds. Your partner will enjoy it immensely. French kiss: This requires moving your tongue in and our of your partner's mouth in rapid movements.
What types of kisses do guys like? ›The kisses of the body's most sensitive parts — neck, forehead kisses or earlobes are charming for guys. Such affection can release the sensuality of even the shyest person. A delightful and smooth touch of the lips while his eyes are closed will make him smile.
What means deep kiss? ›Definition of deep kiss
: a kiss involving extensive or intensive contact of the inner lips, tongue, and teeth especially with prolonged or rhythmic tongue-to-tongue contact.
05/8A romantic neck-kiss
A kiss on the neck usually means that he just can't get enough of you. If he kisses you on your neck, it means that he loves you and is passionately drawn towards you.
2. On the Stomach. "A stomach kiss shows that your partner feels very comfortable and close to you, and is also sexually attracted to you, since kissing in the stomach area not only requires a lot of familiarity, but is getting pretty close to intimate areas," said Bennett.
Does kissing build intimacy? ›Sharing a kiss creates and maintains a feeling of connectedness, which is important both early in a relationship and over time. Good kissing can also lead to arousal and sex. Passionate make-outs are often necessary (and effective) precursors to further intimacy,” explains Nicholson.
How does a girl feel after kissing? ›A rush of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin hits your system the moment your lips lock. With this positive cocktail and a heart-fluttering kiss, you'll feel like you're on cloud nine! Lips are one of your body's most sensually sensitive areas.
What is the difference between kissing and making out? ›
Kissing is a way to show love and affection, but it can also be a formal way of greeting. However, making out is a more intimate physical act that involves a long kiss with additional groping of each other's bodies. Making out is a slang term of having sex with a girlfriend.
Where do you touch a guy while making out? ›During the passionate kiss, use your hands to hold your partner and make them feel desired. Caress, squeeze, or grip your partner's face, lower back, upper back, chest, or neck with varying levels of pressure to stimulate these erogenous zones.
What else can you do while kissing? ›- Pay attention to body language. ...
- Gradually increase the intensity. ...
- Make eye contact between, or even during, kisses. ...
- Take a break from their lips. ...
- If you're going to bite, be gentle.
Kissing causes a chemical reaction in your brain, including a burst of the hormone oxytocin. It's often referred to as the “love hormone,” because it stirs up feelings of affection and attachment. According to a 2013 study, oxytocin is particularly important in helping men bond with a partner and stay monogamous.
When a guy holds your face while kissing? ›They have strong feelings for you.
Most people don't do this while kissing unless they really like someone. If you 2 are still getting to know each other, them holding your face is a good sign that things are progressing. It also shows that they feel more comfortable around you.
-Overall men prefer wetter kisses with more tongue than do women. -Both sexes preferred more tongue with long-term partners. -Men are more than twice as likely to have sex with a bad kisser than are women.
How do you spice up a kiss? ›To really steam up your next kissing session, slowly move your lips over to your partner's ear. Gently nibble, suck or bite his earlobe. Breathe through your nose and exhale softly into his ear. The waft of warm air will make his whole body tingle.
How do you kiss like a pro? ›How To Kiss Like A Pro - YouTube
How do you move your lips when kissing a guy? ›Massage his lips between yours. Start with his bottom lip and then move to his top one. If possible, maintain eye contact to establish a connection before you go in for a kiss. Close your eyes when you're kissing him to feel all the sensation from kissing.
How long should a first kiss last? ›How long is the ideal kiss? According to the survey, singles say their ideal kiss lasts about 10 seconds. Now, keep in mind, this is only for a kiss — not a make-out sesh. If your steamy make-out adventure only lasts for 10 seconds before you throw in the towel, you just need to do better.
What is the most romantic type of kiss? ›
French kiss is regarded as the kiss for lovers. It is the most passionate and erotic kiss. You need to use your tongue for this kiss. It takes time to practice and be perfect in the French kiss, so start practicing!
Why do guys like kissing so much? ›It Makes Him Feel Closer To You
Some guys yearn for touching and affection – Something that kissing can quickly provide. They feel your soft lips, and they want to explore how sensational that makes their body feel. In some ways, they are a lot like us girls; they want to feel closer to you in every way possible.
Most guys know they shouldn't stare at you when kissing. But, if he can't help but open his eyes and gaze at your sweet feminine face when kissing you, that's an indicator of just how attracted he is.
What does it mean when a girl kisses your neck while hugging? ›Neck Kiss
Not to be confused with a hickey, a neck kiss is more of a peck than a deep kiss. This is a playful kiss meant to let your partner know how much you care for them.
When a guy kisses your forehead, it may mean several things. It could be he's showing gratitude after some nice sex and that he will never get enough of you. It could be that he wants you to be more than friends. It could be that you're special to him.
What does it mean when a guy kisses the top of your head? ›Top Of The Head Kiss
Not to be confused with the forehead kiss, the top of the head kiss is positioned over your head where your hair is. This shows that the other person is very protective of you and wants to express that they're gonna be here for you no matter what.
To feel unity with your partner, you can make sex a sacred act of love. Moreover, there are other loving acts on a physical level. e.g. kissing, cuddling, or holding hands. Holding hands especially can become the most intimate act of love.
Why do we kiss with tongue? ›Some believe that kissing with tongue is a natural evolutionary progression that aids in mate choice. Others, citing cultures where kissing with tongue is not only absent but looked down upon, believe making out is a specific learned behavior that's gained popularity due to media consumption and globalization.
Why do we close our eyes when we kiss? ›Most people can't focus on anything as close as a face at kissing distance so closing your eyes saves them from looking at a distracting blur or the strain of trying to focus. Kissing can also make us feel vulnerable or self-conscious and closing your eyes is a way of making yourself more relaxed.
What to say after making out? ›- 'Where else do you want to kiss me later? ...
- 2. ' ...
- 'It drives me crazy when you look at me that way. ...
- 'You're the sexiest person I've ever seen. ...
- 'This feels so amazing… ...
- 'I love how passionately you kiss. ...
- 'I want to feel those lips all over me.
How does kissing taste like? ›
The kissing flavor of love is soft and subtle and has a slight sweet taste to it. When you having a quick tongue-in- kiss, with some one-night stand, it often tasted like boiled potatoes water.
Does lips get bigger after kissing? ›According to Ryan Neinstein, M.D., a plastic surgeon in New York City, our lips are made up of blood vessels, which become dilated during kissing.
How long should a makeout last? ›Kissing is sweet and romantic and most kisses only last a second or two. Making out, on the other hand, involves opening your mouth and using your tongue. People can make out anywhere from a few seconds to an hour or more.
How long should a kiss last? ›But we've now found you can actually increase it over time if you focus on certain aspects of your relationship," Reed tells mbg. Six seconds of kissing is a great place to start, but Reed encourages her clients to tack on an extra few seconds so the kiss is at least 10 seconds long.
Where do guys like to be hugged? ›You can put both arms around his neck and keep one palm gently on the nape of his neck. If your arms are around his neck, run your fingers softly through the hair at the base of his neck. If your arms are around his torso, rub his back gently. A behind-the-back hug can also be a good way to hug a guy hello.
Why do guys grab the back of your neck? ›When a guy keeps touching your neck, it means he's really into you. The neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of a human being. The face you are letting him touch your neck shows how close you are to him and how comfortable you feel to allow him to touch your neck.
Is kissing supposed to feel wet? ›Try not to push too much saliva out of your mouth while kissing and be careful with how wide the motions of your mouth are. If you're getting their chin wet, you've probably gone too far. No one should need a towel for their face after a make-out session.
How do you tease when kissing? ›If you want to be a super tease, place kisses at the edges of his mouth or gently drag your lips down to your partner's neck, keeping lip-to-skin contact the entire time. The anticipation will have a similar effect as physical foreplay.
How do you kiss M? ›How to Kiss - YouTube
Who should initiate the first kiss? ›According to Match's "Singles in America" survey of over 5,500 US singles, an overwhelming majority of single men (95 percent) want women to initiate the first kiss and the first time they have sex (93 percent).
What is the most romantic type of kiss? ›
French kiss is regarded as the kiss for lovers. It is the most passionate and erotic kiss. You need to use your tongue for this kiss. It takes time to practice and be perfect in the French kiss, so start practicing!
Why do we kiss with tongue? ›Open mouth and tongue kissing are especially effective in upping the level of sexual arousal, because they increase the amount of saliva produced and exchanged. The more spit you swap, the more turned on you'll get.
What do neck kisses mean? ›What is a Neck Kiss? The neck kiss is exactly what it sounds like — a kiss on the neck. It's considered a kiss of passion, and shows that you're really into the lucky person who receives it. Neck kisses are usually around the nape of the neck or right where the shoulders meet the neck.
How does a girl feel after kissing? ›A rush of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin hits your system the moment your lips lock. With this positive cocktail and a heart-fluttering kiss, you'll feel like you're on cloud nine! Lips are one of your body's most sensually sensitive areas.
Why does he close his eyes when we kiss? ›Most people can't focus on anything as close as a face at kissing distance so closing your eyes saves them from looking at a distracting blur or the strain of trying to focus. Kissing can also make us feel vulnerable or self-conscious and closing your eyes is a way of making yourself more relaxed.
Why do guys kiss your neck? ›A kiss on the neck usually means that he just can't get enough of you. If he kisses you on your neck, it means that he loves you and is passionately drawn towards you.
How does kissing taste like? ›The kissing flavor of love is soft and subtle and has a slight sweet taste to it. When you having a quick tongue-in- kiss, with some one-night stand, it often tasted like boiled potatoes water.
How do you spice up a kiss? ›To really steam up your next kissing session, slowly move your lips over to your partner's ear. Gently nibble, suck or bite his earlobe. Breathe through your nose and exhale softly into his ear. The waft of warm air will make his whole body tingle.
What do back kisses mean? ›Back kiss. This kiss means your partner wants more than just kisses. The back kiss can be done only in a private space. It heats up the moment and things will escalate quickly. Try this kiss only if you are ready to take things forward.
How do you move your lips when kissing a guy? ›Massage his lips between yours. Start with his bottom lip and then move to his top one. If possible, maintain eye contact to establish a connection before you go in for a kiss. Close your eyes when you're kissing him to feel all the sensation from kissing.
What to say after making out? ›
- 'Where else do you want to kiss me later? ...
- 2. ' ...
- 'It drives me crazy when you look at me that way. ...
- 'You're the sexiest person I've ever seen. ...
- 'This feels so amazing… ...
- 'I love how passionately you kiss. ...
- 'I want to feel those lips all over me.
According to the survey, singles say their ideal kiss lasts about 10 seconds. Now, keep in mind, this is only for a kiss — not a make-out sesh. If your steamy make-out adventure only lasts for 10 seconds before you throw in the towel, you just need to do better.
What does kissing do to a man? ›In addition to increasing the hormones in your brain, kissing can also decrease your level of cortisol, otherwise known as the stress hormone, according to Penn Medicine. Yes, kissing can make you feel euphoric, and also take the edge off if you're worried.