16 Types of Hugs and What They Mean: Friendly, Romantic, or Polite (2024)

Explore this Article

Co-authored byImad Jbaraand Devin McSween

Last Updated: January 2, 2024Fact Checked

Things You Should Know

The Classic Hug

Download Article

1. This is a warm, intimate hug between friends and family. The classic hug is one of the most common hugs, where you and the hugger wrap your arms around each other with your chests touching and heads side by side. Make it a great hug by embracing them tightly and holding the hug for several seconds.^[1]

   • You typically give and receive this hug when you say goodbye to someone, or are greeting them after a long time.
   • Someone who has romantic feelings for you may squeeze you a little tighter or might hold the hug for a little longer.

Advertisem*nt

The Bear Hug

Download Article

1. The bear hug is a long, tight hug that signals intimacy. In this hug, someone wraps their arms all the way around you and squeezes tightly. This hug is usually platonic, but means that you are close with the hugger and are sharing a happy moment together.^[2]

   • Be careful to not squeeze too tightly during this hug.

The Hug at the Waist

Download Article

1. A hug around your waist is romantic and means they trust you. This is a very common hug between romantic panthers that signifies they are comfortable together. Simply wrap your arms around your partner’s waist and hold onto them to show that you care.^[3]

Advertisem*nt

The Side Hug

Download Article

1. A sideways hug is a casual, less personal hug. When you are greeting an acquaintance, they might quickly drape an arm around your shoulders. There is minimal touching in this hug, as only the sides of your bodies meet, which signifies its more polite and friendly.^[4]

   • However, if a close friend or romantic partner gives you this hug, it can be a sign of quick affection, comfort, or encouragement.^[5]

The Hug from Behind

Download Article

1. This is a playful, affectionate hug between romantic partners. In this hug, your significant other surprises you by wrapping their arms around you from behind, pulling you close and showing that they love and care for you.^[6]

   • If you are giving your partner a hug from behind, rest your head against their neck to nuzzle and cuddle them for a minute. You can then turn them around and deepen the hug.
   • Surprise your partner with this hug when they’re washing the dishes or scrolling on their phone to show them you care when they least expect it.

Advertisem*nt

The Quick Hug

Download Article

1. A short hug is a friendly, social greeting. This is a common hug that doesn’t mean much beyond a polite acknowledgement. Your upper bodies may touch, but your lower does not. You might receive this hug from an old friend, a colleague, or family member.^[7]

   • If you receive this hug from someone you're interested in, they might just be in a hurry to get somewhere. However, if they avoid eye contact and give a polite smile, they might see you as a friend.

One Armed Hug

Download Article

1. A hug with just one arm is friendly and platonic. When you receive this hug, the hugger wraps one arm around your back with minimal chest and body touching. This can signify that they aren’t close with you yet and are nervous about a hug seeming intimate.^[8]

   • If you are getting to know someone romantically, or even dating them, and they only give you this hug, it might mean they only view you as a friend.

Advertisem*nt

The Patting Hug

Download Article

1. Patting your back signifies warmth and comfort among friends. This hug is strictly friendly, with a few quick pats or rubs before you pull apart. There is still a connection between the shoulders and chest, which means it's more of an intimate hug between close friends.^[9]

   • Many people also call this the “Bro” or “Buddy” hug because men commonly greet their friends with a few slaps to the back.

The Triangle Hug

Download Article

1. This is a cold, awkward hug with no body touching. In the triangle hug, you and your hugger’s lower bodies are positioned far away from each other to form a triangle. This is an extremely quick, polite hug done out of obligation.^[10]

Advertisem*nt

The Unreciprocated Hug

Download Article

1. An unreciprocated hug can be cold and unwanted. If you remain motionless, with your arms at your sides, during a hug, this can signify that you don't want the hug or are uncomfortable.^[11]

The Catcher Hug

Download Article

1. This is a happy, romantic hug after a long time spent apart. When your partner greets you, they will run up to you and leap into your arms with a long, tight hug. This is an excited, affectionate hug that signifies a lot of trust and love between you and your partner.^[12]

   • If you are receiving this hug, spin your partner around for an extra romantic, sweet gesture.
   • If you are giving this hug, wrap your legs around their waist and bury your head in their neck to get closer and show how much you missed them.

Advertisem*nt

The Eye to Eye Hug

Download Article

1. This is a romantic hug where a couple gazes into each other's eyes. During this hug, your partner will wrap their arms around your waist or shoulders and touch their forehead to yours. This hug means you two are extremely close, trusting, and loving.^[13]

   • This hug can lead to a slight sway or dance. Lean your head on your partner's shoulder to amplify the romance and your connection.^[14]

The Cuddle Hug

Download Article

1. A long, snuggly hug means they feel comfortable and safe. You and your partner might be watching Netflix on the couch when they wrap their arms around your waist and rest their head on your chest. This hug shows sweet, relaxed affection between the two of you.^[15]

   • You can turn this hug up a notch with caressing and kissing to get more romantic with your partner.

Advertisem*nt

The Group Hug

Download Article

1. A hug with multiple people signifies warmth and togetherness. You might initiate a group hug with close friends or family to show your happiness during a celebration, or strengthen your bonds during a farewell. Simply gather up your friends and form a tight ball, with your arms around everyone.^[16]

The Pickpocket Hug

Download Article

1. This is a sweet, romantic hug that means they trust you. You and your partner might be walking together when they slip their arm behind your back and place their hand in your pocket. Reciprocate and place your hand in their pocket for a cutesy, rom-com worthy gesture.^[17]

Advertisem*nt

The Self Hug

Download Article

1. Wrap your arms around yourself to provide comfort. Sometimes, there isn’t anyone around to give you the comfort and reassurance you need. Luckily, you can wrap your own arms around yourself and squeeze to help you feel better.^[18]

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question

Video

Tips

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

70 votes - 74%