15 Most Common Types of Hugs and What Each Hug Means

Hugging is a common form of greeting, a warm gesture, and a meaningful way to show you care about someone. However, the line between a friendly hug and something more can be subtle, and it’s the nature of the hug that makes the difference. With so many types of hugs, each carries a slightly different meaning. It can get a bit confusing, right?

You hug your grandmother, your baby niece, even your dog or a pillow. But when it comes to someone you’re interested in, the hug feels completely different.

Since you like them, you naturally want to understand the intention behind their hug. Asking them directly might feel awkward, so you need to interpret the hug yourself.

So, how do you tell the difference between a platonic hug and something more?

While hugs may seem simple, they can be surprisingly complex and hard to interpret. When you hug someone you like, their intentions aren’t always clear.

To make things a bit easier, here are the different types of hugs to help you understand what might be going on in the hugger’s mind.

# The Polite Hug

This hug is purely for social etiquette—a gesture done out of obligation. It’s the kind of hug where someone appears to embrace you but barely makes physical contact, as if they’re avoiding you. It might come off as cold if not for the polite smile that usually accompanies it.

If you’re on a date and receive this hug, it’s a clear sign they’re not interested and likely won’t pursue another outing. At least they’re trying to be polite.

# The Quick Hug

This is a brief hug often given when you bump into someone in public, and they’re in a rush. It’s a gesture of acknowledgment rather than affection.

Even if it’s quick, it shows they’re happy to see you, but they genuinely need to be somewhere else. However, in some situations, they might not actually be in a hurry but just trying to keep the interaction short, avoiding eye contact and hurrying away. In that case, they may have been avoiding you.

# The Buddy Hug

This friendly hug is when someone wraps their arms around you and gives you a pat on the back. It’s warm and nice but clearly platonic.

If you’re hoping for something romantic, this hug may be disappointing because it suggests they see you as just a friend.

# The Heart-to-Heart Hug

As the name implies, this hug involves both people leaning in from the left side, so their hearts touch. It’s an intentional gesture that creates a sense of connection and togetherness.

Whether romantic or friendly, this hug is meaningful and never accidental.

# The London Bridge Hug

This hug is awkward, with the upper bodies touching while the lower bodies maintain distance. It’s commonly shared between acquaintances or colleagues, and it’s far from intimate.

If you receive this hug, it’s safe to assume there’s no romantic intent behind it.

# The Bear Hug

This tight, full-body embrace shows a deep level of comfort and affection. It’s the kind of hug where neither party cares about appearances—they just want to be close.

This hug is often shared between best friends or romantic partners.

# The Sleepy Shoulder Hug

This tender hug occurs when someone wraps their arms around you and rests their head on your shoulder. It’s a sign of trust and comfort.

If this happens early in a relationship, it’s a great sign they feel safe with you. But if this is the only kind of hug they give, it may indicate they only see you as a source of comfort, not romance.

# The Head-Resting Hug

Similar to the sleepy shoulder hug, this embrace involves resting heads together and signals a deep sense of security and affection.

It’s an intimate gesture that communicates trust and comfort between two people.

# The One-Sided Hug

The most awkward hug of all, this one happens when you embrace someone, but they don’t reciprocate—leaving their arms limp at their sides.

If this happens at the end of a date, don’t expect a second one. It’s a sign they’re not interested, or you may have done something to upset them.

# The Squeezing Hug

This hug is easy to interpret. When someone hugs you and adds an extra squeeze, it shows they enjoyed your time together.

It’s not necessarily romantic, but it’s a positive sign that they want to see you again.

# The Snuggly Hug

More of a cuddle than a hug, this type of embrace happens when you’re sitting next to each other, like at the movies or on the couch.

It’s a sign they feel comfortable and enjoy being close to you, and it may suggest deeper feelings.

# The Lingering Hug

A subtle but meaningful hug, this one involves holding on just a few seconds longer than usual. It’s a small gesture, but it often signals romantic interest.

Watch their facial expression afterward to see if they’re trying to convey something more.

# The Side-by-Side Hug

This is one of the sweetest types of hugs. It’s similar to the snuggly hug but happens while walking side by side, with an arm around your waist or arm.

It shows they like you and feel comfortable around you, wanting to stay close as you walk together.

# The Boob Hug

If you’re hugging a girl you like, pay attention to this hug. It’s a more forward gesture, where she presses her chest against you to make sure you feel it.

Accompanied by a smile or wink, it’s a clear sign she’s interested in you.

# The Back Hug

This playful or intimate hug happens when someone embraces you from behind. If they’re playful, it’s a sign of lighthearted affection. But if they pull you close, it suggests a desire for intimacy.

In romantic relationships, this hug provides comfort and protection, symbolizing safety and closeness.