19 Types of Kisses and What They Mean, According to Experts (2024)

Colloquially, kissing goes by many names—snogging, smooching, Frenching, pecking, tonguing, making out, playing tonsil hockey... the list goes on. Part of the reason why there are so many names for the act is because there are so (so!) many different types of kisses. Why? Well, because there are so many different types of pleasure-seekers participating.

“People are all over the board in terms of their kissing preferences,” according to Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a social psychologist, research fellow at The Kinsey Institute, and author of Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. “Some prefer slow and gentle kissing, while others prefer more intense and passionate kissing.” The range of kissing types ensures there’s an option for everyone, whether they like platonic kisses, passionate kisses, slow or fast kisses, forehead kisses or hand kisses, open-mouthed or closed kisses, and any type in between.

Looking for a cheat sheet on all the different types of kisses? Ahead, Lehmiller and his fellow experts break down 19 different types of kisses and the individual kiss meanings. Plus, they answer frequently asked kissing questions, such as “How do I get better at kissing?”

Why do people kiss?

Did you know that not all people kiss? Yep! “Kissing is not universal across cultures,” says Dr. Lehmiller. “While it is a common way of expressing intimacy and affection in many parts of the world, it doesn’t happen everywhere.” In cultures where kissing is practiced, though, it’s imbued with notable meaning and significance. That significance, however, depends on the relationship between the people kissing and the type of kiss.

“The act of kissing can release feel-good neuro-chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.” —Jenn Gunsaullus, PhD, sexologist and sex coach

“There’s a big difference in the way people kiss a friend or family member—or even a beloved pet—compared to how they kiss a sexual partner,” says Lehmiller. Generally speaking, people kiss quickly and with a closed mouth and pursed lips when saying hello or goodbye. "This might occur on the lips, but could also involve the cheeks, forehead, or back of the hand,” he says.

By contrast, the intimate kisses we give to our sexual and/or romantic partners are usually lip-to-lip, open-mouthed, and can last from several seconds to several minutes. “Sexual partners might also kiss their romantic partners in other ways and on other parts of the body, too,” Lehmiller adds. In these instances, heightened sexual intimacy is usually the goal, and certain kisses can even act as signs someone is in love with you.

What are the benefits of kissing?

The main benefit of kissing is that it feels darn good, according to Jess O’Reilly, PhD, a resident sexologist with We-Vibe and host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast.

The lips are an erogenous zone, so interacting with them lights up the part of the brain that registers arousal and pleasure, she says. In fact, “The act of kissing can release feel-good neuro-chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine,” says Jenn Gunsaullus, PhD, sexologist and sex coach, and author of From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinvesting Sex For Women. (BTW: These are the same feel-good chemicals released when you cum).

Kissing can also be a tool to strengthen the emotional, physical, sexual and/or romantic bond that people feel for one another, notes Dr. Gunsaullus. On the sexual pleasure front, it can be used as a prelude to other types of pleasure (read: intercourse). Or, kissing can be the whole meat and potatoes, she says.

“It is also a way of assessing sexual compatibility with someone,” notes Dr. Gunsaullus. If you’ve ever heard someone report that a kiss felt like kissing their sibling, it’s because they learned that the sexual compatibility between them was hovering around zero. Hey, less of a bummer to find out today than when you’re rolling in the hay!

What are the most intimate types of kisses?

There are many different kinds of intimacy. As such, the type of kiss you opt for will be dictated by the specific intimacy flavor you’re after, says Dr. Gunsaullus. “But even then, the answer is subjective and depends on personal taste (so to speak!) and past experiences.”

In general, though, kisses that are slow, present, and ripe with eye contact are generally the most romantically intimate, she says. Think: a cheek kiss, forehead kiss, hand kiss, or butterfly kiss. Meanwhile, kisses that intensify, incorporate more than “just” the lips, and use hands and huffs of pleasure are more sexually intimate. (See: the French kiss, kiss on the stomach, or kissing all over the face.) “Some people think that kissing done in the throes of passion—right before or during org*sm, for example—is the most intimate,” says Dr. O’Reilly.

Why do we kiss with our tongues?

Whether you call it getting sloppy, tongue-kissing, French-kissing, or snogging, there’s no doubt that kissing with tongue can be pleasurable. But why is that exactly? For starters, it also allows you to tap into your most animalistic self, notes Dr. O’Reilly. (After all, it is admittedly dog-like to have your tongue hanging to and fro.)

Tongue-kissing also allows us to taste another body part of the person we are trying to connect with, says Emily Jamea, PhD, LPC, LMFT, and sex and relationship expert for sexual wellness brand, K-Y. Seeing how a person uses their tongue can also function as a preview into what it might be like when you have oral sex with them, she says. Beyond all of that, it’s also just really fun, says Dr. Gunsaullus. Indeed, because there are so many different types of kisses that incorporate tongue, it can be very playful to get your tongue in on the action.

What are the most romantic types of kisses?

Building anticipation is key to creating a romantic kiss, according to Dr. Jamea. To ramp up the romance in your smooch, she recommends starting with a gentle peck, before working into a gentle kiss using your tongue. Oh, and don’t forget to pull your partner closer and cup or caress the back of their head. Regardless of your kissing style, the best way to make all types of kisses truly romantic is to be in tune with what you and your partner want and lean into those desires in a way that makes you both comfortable.

19 types of kisses and their meanings

No one needs to be told that receiving a kiss on the lips versus a kiss on the hand leaves a person feeling differently. But if you’ve ever wondered what different kissing types mean—or even, what the types of kisses there are—read on.

Obligatory caveat: All relationships are unique, as are the people who are in them. So, while there is a common meaning amongst different types of kisses, those meanings aren't set in stone. As such, to really know what someone is trying to convey by kissing you one way instead of another, you have to ask.

1. Makeout kiss

A lusty kiss on the lips (think: the classic makeout session) points to your partner being really into you—and currently aroused. A deep, heavy kiss also means they feel a relatively intimate bond with you or are looking to get closer.

“I think a makeout kiss is about desire for deep connection,” says Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, sex therapist and sexologist for sexual-health brand AdamEve.com. During the early days and weeks of a connection, this type of kiss usually signals a desire to develop and deepen intimate bonds. And if a passionate kiss comes up in long-term relationships, it can represent a sense of passion and unity, too. (Warning: It's also lingering kisses like this that may leave you susceptible to beard burn if your partner has facial hair, so consider using "face lube" if you think your next makeout session could get hairy.)

Whether or not this type of kiss includes tongue is a bit of a dealer's choice situation. Sometimes a makeout kiss involves an exchange of lips, while keeping your tongue in your own mouth. Other times, however, you might level this kiss up by adding some full tongue licking, per Skyler—which brings us to the French kiss.

2. French kiss

If you and your partner are making out every night, may we suggest shaking things up by throwing in some tongue action for a full-blown French kiss? “This kiss involves the tongue, which helps us become curious about the other person’s mouth,” says Skyler. Exactly what you do with your tongue, however, is limitless. You might touch tongue tips with the other person, or lick the entire length of their tongue. You could also run your tongue along their lips, or even teeth. Generally, when someone reaches their tongue deep into your mouth it signals a desire to unite, says Skyler. “It’s about the desire to connect as one,” she says. Hot!

Dr. Gunsaullus says not to be surprised if you don’t like this type of kiss at first. “I remember the first time I French kissed in high school and thinking that it was kind of gross and bizarre to swap spit in such a way,” she says. “But eventually the neuro-chemicals of desire and arousal kicked in and I enjoyed it.” While it may take some time to get used to, French kissing can be pretty sweet—to a degree that you might even wonder if you can get cavities from kissing. (Spoiler: you can.)

3. Neck kiss

Lips may be the erogenous zone most commonly associated with kissing but people can enjoy kisses along a wide range of body parts. Of course, Dr. Gunsaullus adds it’s important to ask for consent before traveling elsewhere on someone’s body.

If you’re looking for a kiss that is as romantic as a Valentine's Day dinner, Dr. Skyler suggests the neck kiss. "It’s almost as if the kiss is saying, ‘Hello, sexy person. I really like you,’” she says. “I think of this kiss as more sensual than lust-filled.” Though, it can become more lust-filled if the sultry kiss turns into a passionate bite.

Nibbling and gently biting on the neck can take the kiss up a notch, Dr. Skyler says. When someone asks for their neck to be kissed they are inviting you to take them to new heights; when someone kisses your neck, they are non-verbally telling you how attracted they are to you (very).

4. Hickey kiss

If kisses were to exist on a spectrum from Jacob (gentle) to Edward (not gentle), the types of kisses that are closer to the vampiric side would be classified as hickey kisses. Hickey kisses—the name for kisses that combine suction and teeth to leave behind a bruise—are typically given and received simply for pleasure. But because they leave a mark behind, they can also be used to denote possession, to mark your ‘territory’ in a BDSM context, or used as a reminder of an exciting shared experience, according to Dr. O’Reilly.

“The most important consideration when giving a hickey is consent,” she says. Does your partner want you to give them a hickey? Are they comfortable with a hickey on their neck or any other spots that might potentially be visible at work, school, or out in public? You need to know the answers to these questions before adding your chompers into the mix.

If you do come away from kissing your partner(s) with a few love bites, some marks may be deeper and more pronounced than others. Still, there are tricks to help the hickies fade if you want to get rid of them sooner rather than later. "If you want to heal the hickey, consider applying a cold compress to reduce swelling,” says Dr. O’Reilly.

5. Peck kiss

If types of kisses were like foot races, the peck would be the 100m dash. The shortest-lasting kiss on the list, the peck is a type of kiss that ends before it even really begins. Exactly where you peck someone will depend on your relationship with them, as well as your cultural and familial relationship with physical intimacy, says Dr. O’Reilly. “A peck on the cheek, forehead, or top of the head can be used to calm, reassure, or simply show emotional care,” she says. A peck on the lips, however, generally signifies romantic care.

6. Forehead (or head) kiss

“This kind of kiss is most often given to show care, affection, or protection, so a forehead kiss feels like an ‘I've gotcha,’ or ‘you're safe here,’ kiss,” says Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT.

Receiving a forehead kiss may mean your partner feels responsible for taking care of you and wants you to feel safe with them. “There is definitely an endearing quality to a forehead kiss, which indicates a level of compassion or care from the other person,” she adds.

Usually how long someone lets their lips hover over your forehead will depend on your relationship dynamic, as well as what exactly they are trying to communicate. A relative will likely keep it quick, for example, unless it’s being given or received at a funeral or other event marked by strong emotions. Meanwhile, a lover is more likely to linger Cranberries-style during a kiss to communicate care.

7. Closed-mouth kiss

A closed-mouth kiss is a lip-to-lip kiss that is free of tongue. Usually longer-lasting than a peck, “this kind of kiss is not totally platonic,” says Dr. Skyler. It could reveal, however, that you’re not yet at the degree of intimacy required for a deeper kiss (Think: kissing on a first date), or that the giver is scared of intimacy in general, she says.

It's also possible that a closed-mouth kiss is reflective of being pressed for time, having disinterest, or pulling away from the relationship. To decipher what it means in the scope of your own partnership, take inventory of your relationship with the person, the setting, and potential distractions. Or better yet, ask them point-blank.

8. Chef’s kiss

If you’ve ever watched Ratatouille—or stepped into an Italian restaurant for that matter—you’re probably familiar with the chef’s kiss. For the uninitiated, a chef’s kiss is a gesture that involves bringing your thumb together with the four fingers on that same hand, kissing the tips of the fingers, then blowing as you pull your hand away from you face in an upward motion.

Generally, people make gestures like this to signify excellence. So why not use it to express sexcellence? The next time you and your partner have a particularly pleasurable romp, you might use the gesture to communicate as much. Of course, you should probably add in some words of affirmation if you have a praise kink, as well, to prevent any misinterpretation.

9. Air kiss

Also known as the breath kiss, the air kiss is a kiss marked by almost touching. Here, “your lips hover as close to someone else’s skin or lips without actually touching them,” says Dr. O’Reilly. This kind of kiss can be used to gauge someone's interest in actually kissing you—no air spared. But it could also be used to respect the boundaries of the relationship in question, or even to build anticipation. If you’re using an air kiss with the latter in mind Dr. O’Reilly suggests licking your lips. “Doing so will allow them to feel the heat of your mouth as you gently give air kisses up and down their skin,” she says.

10. Earlobe kiss

Between dirty talking, listening to audio erotica, and blasting sensual music, there is no shortage of ways to get your ears in on the action when it comes to kissing. Another way to get your ears involved? Kiss ‘em! “Less is usually more when it comes to earlobe kisses,” says Dr. O’Reilly. “You could, for example, gently nibble on the earlobe as you build desire,” she says. Giving air kisses up and down the lobe can feel incredibly good for some people, too. Just be sure to ask your partner what they like and to pay attention to non-verbal cues. Some people (*raises hand*) think earlobe kisses feel more like coming down with an earache, rather than cumming, but to each their own.

11. Stomach kiss

“The stomach is a vulnerable area for many, so a kiss there often reflects a strong dynamic marked by trust,” says Dr. Skyler. “This one is almost saying, ‘I love you just the way you are. You are fully safe with me.’” Indeed, if your partner gives you a few kisses on your belly while you’re cuddling and watching TV, or if they work their way up and down your belly during foreplay, they may be signaling that they’ve got your back (er, or your front). Of course, the stomach kiss can also be used simply as a transition to oral sex. In these instances, be sure that you and your partner have clearly communicated whether cunniling*s (or analingus) is on the table.

12. Kiss on the back and shoulders

Your shoulders aren’t just for massaging with your hands—shoulder kisses are very much a thing. “For some people, kissing or receiving kisses on the shoulder and upper back is super sexy,” says Dr. Skyler. For these folks, touching their lips to another’s lats is a feel-good way to lather their partner with love.

Beware, however, that some people use back and shoulder kisses for the exact opposite purpose: To avoid lovemaking. “When this is the only kind of kiss that someone engages in, it could be a barrier they are using to stay away from deeper connection and intimacy,” she says. Usually, this is the case when someone also avoids face-to-face sex positions and prefers doggy style.

13. Hand kiss

This kiss, which involves administering a peck to the back of someone’s hand, typically conveys respect. “Offering this kiss is a way to say, ‘I love you for all of who you are, and I am humble before you,’” Wright says. It can be—but doesn't have to be—platonic. "There is no universally accepted meaning of what a hand kiss is, but some use it as a way to say hello while others use it to show commitment,” says Wright. A romantic partner may offer one when they want you to know they find you special, unique, and valuable.

14. Full-body kiss

The full-body kiss is less about what your lips are doing, and more about maintaining as much skin-to-skin contact throughout the rest of your body as possible, per Dr. O’Reilly. Also known as the full-court press, this passionate kiss involves pressing your entire bodies against one another while you implement one of your other favorite kissing styles. When exploring the pleasure potential of this kind of kiss, Dr. O’Reilly suggests tuning into “the pressure, textures, temperature, and movement of your bodies.” It can also be hot to allow your breath to sync with your partner’s from this position.

15. Lip trace kiss

A cousin of the French kiss, the lip trace kiss involves tracing your partner’s lips with your tongue. The purpose? Intimacy. This type of kiss allows you to learn the feel of every millimeter of their lips, while also giving you a front-row seat to their moans, growls, and gasps.

To try it, start by hovering your lips above theirs for a moment barely making contact, suggests Dr. O’Reilly. Then, “trace your tongue around the outline of their lips more slowly than what might come naturally at first,” she says. Once you’ve traced the entire outline of their top and bottom lip, you can slide your tongue side-to-side between their lips. A fun game is to see how long they’ll allow this before opening your mouth and pulling your tongue deep inside. “As you relax and your body’s natural functions (e.g. heart rate, breath rate, blood pressure) decelerate, the slow trace around their lips’ curves will feel more natural,” she says.

16. Butterfly kiss

A butterfly kiss, if you aren’t familiar, is when you rapidly blink your eyelashes against someone's cheek or skin, much like a butterfly would when flapping its wings, explains Jamea. This is one of the more intimate types of kisses that’s often performed between people who are absolutely googly-eyed for one another. The affectionate gesture also typically involves nose-on-nose contact and can be followed up by tender pecks on the face or any other type of kiss you’re feeling in the moment. Flirtatious, fun, and even a little tickly, the butterfly kiss is a playful way to be intimate with your partner.

17. Undulating kissing

Searching for a way to spice up your types of kisses while making love? Look no further. Per the name, the undulating kiss is all about oscillating back and forth between exchanging smooches and giving into your animalistic hunger, explains Dr. O’Reilly. “You start off by kissing gently and slowly with a soft tongue and lips in a gentle manner,” she explains. Then, you increase pressure and allow the kisses to become deeper and more sensual. Rather than staying in the kissing stage or moving forward with more physical touch, you dial it back once again and repeat the process, she says. Think of it like edging but with kisses.

This type of kiss encourages you and your partner to get on the same page energetically. After all, one of you can’t be going all suck and spit while the other is going sweet and simple. Paying attention to one another’s body language and breath will help you stay on the same page, and ultimately deepen your bond overall.

18. Three-way kiss

Kisses may most commonly take place between just two people, but three (or more!) people can kiss one another at the same time, according to Wright. A magical kiss that is all about angles, three-way kisses are the kind of kiss that can be used to denote either sexual desire or a romantic connection between everyone involved. The individuals in a triad (aka throuple) might use a three-way kiss to show care for one another the way a couple does. Though, this kiss will make a more sensual appearance during most threesomes and orgies, too.

19. Rainbow kiss

A rainbow kiss may sound like a peck that takes place during a pride parade, but it’s far less safe for the public than that! The kiss involves at least one person who is on their period 69-ing with someone else to the point of ejacul*tion or org*sm. After all is said and cum (literally) the two people open-mouth kiss. The idea is that the kiss swirls the menstrual byproduct with ji*zz in such a way that… makes pretty colors!

Sometimes rainbow kisses just happen—in particular, between couples who don’t rule out oral during menses. However, sometimes this is a sex act that people with body fluid kink actively seek out, due to its erotic potential. Importantly, both barrier-free oral sex and barrier-free period play should be reserved for people who know their current STI status and who are fluid-bonded with each other as all the body fluids involved in rainbow kisses can transmit infection when present.

What does it mean if someone holds the kiss?

Holding the kiss, or lingering so that you and your partner are still touching, is generally a good sign and typically means someone wants to keep kissing you, according to Dr. Jamea. At times, this can also mean the person isn’t ready to move past the current level of kissing. Take notes on your partner’s breathing pattern, mouth movements, and the position of their hands to decide how you want to move forward and if the kiss should progress into something more.

What does it mean if someone kisses you multiple times in a row?

If they didn’t like it, they probably wouldn’t keep doing it. So, odds are good they’re enjoying themselves and the feeling of your mouth if your partner kisses you multiple times in a row. As with all guidance about what body language means, however, keep in mind that it's important to also speak with your partner if you're confused or unsure about the meaning behind their actions, including your kisses.

How can I spice up my kiss?

Kisses aren’t just a stepping-stone to sex—kissing can be the whole shebang. It may sound counter-intuitive, but focusing just on kissing will really build the erotic tension between you and your partner, says Dr. Jamea. Plus, doing so will bring back some of those fond memories from the beginning of your kissing career, she says. (Sometimes an awkward fumble or tilt of the head makes a kiss even sweeter!)

Your move: Take the time to lean into deep kisses and try new moves, like nibbling or biting your partner's lip or neck. Then, put your lip-locking skills to the test with any of the other types of kisses on this list. Heck, you might even work your way down this list of 19 types of kisses, one by one.

How to be a good kisser

The good news is that kissing is something you get better at with practice, so here's the perfect kiss guide for your next smooch.

1. Make sure your partner is down for different types of kisses

Whether it’s on their lips or lats, with or without tongue, lickity split or long-lasting, Dr. Gunsaullus says that getting permission is key to any kiss. Once you have consent, then you can work as a team to figure out which types of kisses you want to try. A simple, “May I kiss you?” Or “Can I kiss my way down your neck” will do the trick. Plus, verbal consent is sexy!

2. Start slower than slow with all different types of kisses

For any type of kiss, Dr. Jamea advises starting slow and easing into it before becoming more passionate. You want to make sure your partner is welcoming your touch—jumping immediately into French kissing or a deep kiss may be off-putting if they're not ready. As it becomes apparent through verbal and non-verbal cues that your partner is into it, “you can use more tongue and kiss more deeply," she adds.

3. Use your hands for all types of kisses

Your mouth and tongue shouldn't be the only parts of your body working during a kiss, either. Much like a blowj*bis made better with a little hand action, so are the different types of kisses. Dr. Jamea suggests using your hands to hold the back of your partner's head, to touch their cheeks or to pull them closer to you to really get those sparks flying. With the go-ahead, you could add a little kinky something-something into the kiss by pulling on their hair, applying pressure along the front of their throat, or palming their groin.

4. Try to get on the same page about tongue for different types of kisses

Another key tip is to watch that tongue and spit. Obviously, this won't be a problem with a cheek kiss or a forehead kiss. But Dr. Jamea says, especially for tongue-heavy kisses like French kisses, it's paramount to be mindful about exactly how much tongue you're using. One way to ensure you’re not overdoing it on the tongue front is to pay attention to how much tongue the other person(s) is using. If your tongue is always in their mouth, and never the other way around, you probably want to pull back.

5. Enjoy the types of kisses that are currently happening.

If you're having a first kiss with someone, don't pull out any moves that they don't seem ready for, like a lip nibble. ”Moves like these should come after you’ve developed safety and trust," says Dr. Jamea. After all, the teeth-lip equation can be vulnerable given how much could go wrong.

BTW: This extends down the body, too—don't start grabbing at someone's body at the same time you start kissing them—take your time if you want the kiss to lead to more touching, but don't start there. Gauge your partner's comfort level first.