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25 different types of kisses you should try out

Fancy a kiss? But which one? There are just so many different types of kisses! From the simple peck on the cheek to the full-blown French kiss, we've got them all listed out for you right here. So which one will you be trying next?

Author picture of James Mendoza
Dating Expert James Mendoza August 29, 2022 • 9 minutes read
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When you think of kisses, what do you imagine? A romantic peck on the cheek or a deep and passionate kiss.

There are many different types of kisses that people use to express their feelings for one another. But before you lean in for a kiss, it’s best to know how to kiss someone for the first time! This guide shows you how!

Here is a list of 25 different types of kisses that have been used throughout history:

1. Kissing on the cheek

1. Kissing on the cheek

A common way to show affection, this type of kiss is usually short and sweet. We probably all have experienced this kiss at some point in our lives. It can be a friendly gesture or a way to show that we care about someone.

This kiss can even be used at the first date, depending on your culture! Need some tips on how to act on your first date in order to land a kiss? I bet you are!

But there are many pros and cons of kissing on the first date. This guide answers the difficult question if you should kiss on the first date or not.

2. Kunik or “eskimo kiss”

2. Kunik or eskimo kiss

Two people rub their noses back and forth together. That’s how this type of kiss got its name - because it supposedly originated with Inuit couples (often politically incorrect called “Eskimos”). It’s a way to show affection without using your lips.

Since the term “eskimo” is considered offensive, try using the word the inuit themself use for this kind of kiss: “Kunik”.

3. Butterfly kiss

Butterfly kisses are especially sweet. A butterfly kiss usually happens when two people are very close to each other, and their eyes almost touch. Then, when one or both rapidly blink, their eyelashes flutter just like a butterfly.

It’s a way to show how much you care about the other person and can be very intimate.

4. French kiss

4. French kiss

The legendary french kiss probably doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s a deep and passionate kiss where each person’s tongues touch. French kisses can be very intimate and often lead to other things, depending on which base you are. Find out more about bases in dating here!

This type of kiss is said to have originated in France (hence the name), but it’s become popular around the world. But before you can french kiss someone, you should know how to do it!

5. Spiderman kiss

If you don’t remember the scene from the movie, you might be wondering how this kiss got his name. In the movie, Peter Parker, alias Spiderman kisses Mary Jane while hanging upside down.

To replicate this kiss, no one needs to be dangling down from a spiderweb; one person just needs to be on their back with their head hanging over the edge of the bed while the other kisses them.

This position is perfect for those who want to get a little crazy and spice up their love life.

6. Angel kiss

The angel kiss is another gentle way to show someone you care. This kiss usually happens when one person cups the other person’s face in their hands and kisses them on the forehead.

It’s a gesture of protection and love that is often used by parents for their children.

7. Air kiss

7. Air kiss

This kiss is all about showing love and respect. Two people brush their lips together without actually touching them, resulting in an air kiss.

It’s a way to show someone that you care about them without getting too close.

8. Lipstick kiss

This kiss is all about leaving your mark. When two people kiss, they press their lips together and then pull away while leaving a sticky residue of lipstick behind.

It’s a way to show that you’ve kissed someone and want everyone to know it.

9. Kunik Lip Kiss or “Eskimo Lip Kiss”

This kiss is all about feeling the other person’s lips. When two people softly rub their lips together to create a tingling sensation, it results in a Kunik Lip Kiss.

It’s similar to the regular Kunik, in which the noses are rubbed together, but this time it’s all about the lips. And please refrain from the term “Eskimo”, as it is offensive.

10. Lollipop kiss

10. Lollipop kiss

This kiss is all about the teasing. When two people kiss, one person takes the other person’s bottom lip into their mouth and sucks on it like they would a lollipop.

It’s a way to tease and tantalize the other person and can be very arousing.

11. Biting kiss

This kiss is all about passion. When two people are kissing passionately, one person will often gently bite the other person’s lip.

It’s a way to show how much you want the other person and can be quite sexy, creating a sensual sensation.

12. Necking

This kiss is all about getting close. Necking kisses usually involve two people necking each other - placing their mouths on each other’s necks and sucking and biting softly.

It’s a way to get close and intimate with someone you’re attracted to.

13. Teasing kiss

13. Teasing kiss

This kiss will spice things up a bit. When two people are kissing, one person will often pull away and tease the other by gently sucking on their bottom lip.

It’s a way to create anticipation and make the kiss even more passionate. Just don’t overdo it.

14. Tongue sucking kiss

Similar to a French kiss, just even sexier. One person sucks on the other person’s tongue, creating a very erotic sensation.

Just bear in mind that this kiss isn’t for everyone, as some people find it a bit weird.

15. Wet kiss

This kiss is all about getting down and dirty. To perform a wet kiss, the couple’s saliva mixes together, and their mouths become very wet.

This kiss may be a bit gross for some, but there are plenty of people enjoying it in the bedroom.

16. Soul kiss

16. Soul kiss

This one might be a bit esoterical. To perform a soul kiss, two people kiss and open their mouths slightly to let their souls mingle together.

It’s a way to feel closer to the other person and can be very intimate.

17. Kissing with masks

This kiss is all about hiding your identity. When two people kiss while wearing masks, it’s a way to hide their true identities from each other.

It can be a fun way to add excitement to your relationship and keep things fresh.

But also during the pandemic, kissing with masks has become a thing, even though it might be a bit different from what we meant here.

18. Kissing in the rain

This kiss is for the hopeless romantic. When it rains, there’s nothing quite like finding someone you love and kissing them under the umbrella. If you’re feeling particularly wild, leave the umbrella away!

It’s a way to show that you’re not afraid of getting wet and that you’ll always be there for each other.

19. Morning kisses

19. Morning kisses

That’s how you start a day correctly! Morning kisses are usually given when one person wakes up before the other and kisses them on the forehead or lips.

It’s a way to say “good morning” and start the day with a smile. This is one of the cutest things a person can do.

20. Peck kisses

These kisses are just for fun. Peck kisses are a series of light and brief kisses that are usually given on the cheek. It resembles a bird pecking at its food.

They’re a way to show someone that you care about them without getting too intimate.

21. Surprise kisses

As the most fun type of kiss, these kisses come when you least expect them. Surprise kisses can happen anywhere at any time.

All you need is someone you love and a little bit of spontaneity. They’re a great way to show how much you care about someone and always leave you with a smile.

22. Cheeky kisses

22. Cheeky kisses

This kiss is all about being playful. When two people kiss, one person kisses the other on the cheek and then quickly moves away.

It’s a way to show how much you care about someone while also being a bit silly. It’s a lot of fun!

23. Sad kisses

Sometimes, a kiss is the only thing that can make you feel better. Sad kisses happen when two people are feeling down and out. They might exchange a few sad kisses for making each other feel better.

It’s a way to show that you care about the other person and want to make them feel better.

24. Wedding kisses

The most romantic type of kiss, it’s a symbol of love and commitment: wedding kisses. These kisses are usually given when the bride and groom first meet after the ceremony.

They’re a way to show that you’re now committed to each other for the rest of your life. How romantic!

25. Goodbye kisses

25. Goodbye kisses

These are the saddest type of kisses. Goodbye kisses happen when two people say goodbye to each other and know that they might never see each other again (or at least for an extended period).

They’re a way to show how much you’ll miss the other person and always leave you with a tear in your eye.

We hope you had fun reading about the different types of kisses. Just like there are many types of kisses, there are also many reasons to kiss. Kissing can be a way to show love, appreciation, or just affection. It can also be a way to show excitement or anticipation.

And don’t stress yourself too much if you haven’t kissed yet. Find out what the average age for the first kiss is.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to kissing. We hope you will get to experience as many of them as possible! Some people even fall in love after their first kiss; better be prepared!

If you’re a guy and still struggling to even find someone to kiss, you should check out our first date tips for guys.

And if you’re a girl who needs some first date tips, you should follow this link.


Kissing for dummies: A comprehensive list of books you should read

To be a great kisser, you need to know what you're doing. That's why we've put together this list of books that can help you perfect its art. With these titles, you'll learn how to make any kiss unforgettable.

  1. The Art of Kissing
  2. Kissing: The Best Tips, Techniques and Advice
  3. Kissing: A Field Guide
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Author picture of James Mendoza
Dating Expert

James Mendoza

James Mendoza is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about relationships, marriage, and living happily as a single. After getting through two divorces and being cheated …

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