The Top Emojis Guys Use when They Like or Love You

Co-authored by John Keegan and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: March 7, 2025 Fact Checked

How do you know a guy likes you when you’re texting? By decoding his emojis, of course! From flirtatious smiles to silly winks, we’ve got every emoji he could possibly use if he’s crushing on you.^{[1]
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Expert Source

John Keegan
Relationships Coach

Expert Interview} Keep reading to learn all about the top emojis a guy will use if he loves you and how you can respond.

1

😇 (Smiling Face with Halo) Emoji

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A 😇 emoji could mean he wants to be more than a friend. This happily innocent-looking emoji is anything but! If a guy sends the halo emoji your way, he’s definitely flirting and may even be suggesting something naughty.^{[2]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics

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- Send him a 😉 emoji in return to let him know you want to be more than friends too.
- Be bold and reply with something like, “Aw! You’re too cute! What are you doing later?”

2

😍 (Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes) Emoji

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A guy will send a 😍 emoji if he thinks you’re gorgeous. This flirtatious heart-eyed emoji is the universal symbol for saying, “I love it!” You may find a 😍 emoji in your inbox if he only has eyes for you.
- He might comment on your social media post with something like, “My eyes have been blessed 😍” or “You’re fine 😍”
- Tell him you like him by sending a compliment of your own.

3

🤗 (Smiling Face with Open Hands) Emoji

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If he loves you, he’ll send a virtual hug with a 🤗 emoji. This playful emoji is a not-so-subtle way to give you a flirtatious hug. A guy may send this if he’s not so sure about your feelings because it’s not as obvious as 😉 or 😜.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source

Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

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- Dare to do what he didn’t and reply with 😜 or 😉 to say, “Dude, I like you!”

4

😉 (Winking Face) Emoji

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The classic 😉 means he’s digging you. This smiley face is a universal sign of flirtation in the most casual way. It can turn the simplest message into something blush-inducing!^{[4]
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Expert Source

John Keegan
Relationships Coach

Expert Interview}
- If he asks, “What are you doing? 😉” he may be looking to see if you’d be down to go on a date.
- Keep your responses flirty and add a 😉 emoji of your own to show him you feel the same way.

5

😏 (Smirking Face) Emoji

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If he sends a 😏 emoji, he’s totally flirting with you. This smirking and charming face is a not-so-subtle way to say “hey” with a sexual connotation. Chances are if he loves you, he’ll send you a 😏 emoji along with a romantic suggestion.^{[5]
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Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

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- Show him you like him too by sending 😏 and sexy message back.

6

😘 (Face Blowing a Kiss) Emoji

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A 😘 emoji could be his way of saying, “I like you.” This flirtatious emoji is the perfect addition to any text, whether he’s complimenting you or saying goodnight. If you get a 😘 emoji, chances are he’s got more than just a little crush.
- Send a 😘 emoji back to return his kiss.

7

😅 (Grinning Face with Sweat) Emoji

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If he uses a 😅 emoji, he likes you so much he’s nervous. This smiley face is the epitome of anxious laughter. Maybe he sent a text confessing his love for you along with a “So, yeah 😅.”
- Reassure him if you’re into him too.
- Text him back something like, “Why so nervous? 😉” or “That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me! 🥰”

8

😌 (Relieved Face) Emoji

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Sending a 😌 emoji means he cares about you. If he asks how you are and you say “good,” he may reply with a relieved face to show that he’s glad—if you’re good, he’s good! This is his way of saying he’s emotionally invested in you and your life.
- Like his reply to show him you care about his sentiment.
- Go the extra mile and ask him how he is, showing that you’re also emotionally invested in him.

9

🙈 (See-No-Evil Monkey) Emoji

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A 🙈 emoji means he’s feeling a little shy. You make him blush, and sending this cute monkey emoji is his way of showing it! He might send a 🙈 emoji after saying you’re pretty or asking you on a date.
- Send him a smiley face in return or tell him how cute you think he is.

10

❤️ (Red Heart) Emoji

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If a guy sends a ❤️ emoji, he loves you with all his heart. The red heart emoji is no joke, especially when it comes to romantic relationships.^{[6]
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Expert Source

John Keegan
Relationships Coach

Expert Interview} It’s the universal text symbol for love. If he finishes a text with a ❤️, he’s saying, “I love you.”^{[7]
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Research source}
- Send a ❤️ emoji back if you love him too.
- If you’re not ready to send a ❤️ emoji just yet, reply with a 💛 emoji. This colored heart says, “I like you a lot,” without committing to “love.”^{[8]
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  Science Direct
  Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
  
  Go to source}

11

🥰 (Smiling Face with Hearts) Emoji

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Genuine affection can be shown with 🥰. This adorable emoji is commonly used to express love and warmth. If he truly cares about you, he’ll use a 🥰 emoji to show it.^{[9]
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- He may reply to one of your messages with a 🥰 emoji to say, “You’ve warmed my heart.”
- Reply with ❤️ and 😊 to say, “I love you.”

12

😚 (Kissing Face with Closed Eyes) Emoji

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A guy could express his love with a 😚 emoji.^{[10]
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Research source} This kissing emoji isn’t as flirtatious as the 😘 emoji, making it the perfect option for a guy who’s testing out the waters. If he sends you a 😚 emoji, he’s wondering if you like him too.
- Jump the hurdle for him and send him a 😘 emoji in return, so he knows exactly how you feel.

13

😊 (Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes) Emoji

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A 😊 emoji could be a sign that you make him blush. If he’s head over heels for you, he may amp up his smiley face game and use 😊 instead of 🙂. The squinty eyes and rosy cheeks of the 😊 emoji just scream, “I like you!”
- Use a 😊 emoji when texting him to let him know you like him back.

14

😋 (Face Savoring Food) Emoji

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A guy may imply a date with a 😋 emoji. If he really likes you, he may send you this playful yet flirtatious emoji, especially if he mentions food.^{[11]
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Research source}
- He might say, “I’m totally craving pizza right now 😋”
- Let him know you’re craving what he’s craving, and he may just ask you to join him!

15

😜 (Winking Face with Tongue) Emoji

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If he sends a 😜 emoji, he’s feeling extra flirty. You’re on his radar, and he’s not afraid to show it! The playful 😜 is a level up from the classic 😉 and has a fun, sexual vibe. If he loves you, he’ll most likely add this emoji at the end of a sexy, flirtatious message.
- If you’re in a romantic mood, keep the sexy vibes rolling by sending a few cheeky messages or compliments his way.
- Try saying something like, “You really know how to get a girl going 😏” or “Could say the same to you, babe! 😜”

16

🤩 (Star-Struck) Emoji

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He’s fascinated by you if he sends a 🤩 emoji. This dazzling smiley face screams, “Wow!” Whether he’s amazed by something you did or said, he’s obviously impressed. You’re stealing his heart, and this is his way of showing it.
- Shower your reply with hearts and smiley face emojis to show how much you appreciate his love.

17

💕 (Two Hearts) Emoji

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A guy sees himself in a relationship with you if he uses 💕. This double heart emoji is innocent-looking enough, but it could have a deeper meaning. If you’re not in a relationship with him yet, he may send you a 💕 emoji to say he’s thinking about asking you out.
- Ask him what’s on his mind if he sends you this emoji.
- Be subtle and pass along a compliment and 😊, or go bold and ask, “So, what’s up with the hearts? 👀”

18

💋 (Kiss Mark) Emoji

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The 💋 emoji sends a virtual kiss and an “I love you.” This emoji is exactly what it looks like—a kiss! If a guy loves you, he may send a 💋 emoji your way to seal his message with a kiss.^{[12]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Send a 💋 emoji, 😘, or ❤️ back to say, “I love you, too!”

Understand and Use Sexual Emojis with this Expert Series

We've all been there. You're flirting with someone over text, and then they send a confusing emoji. What does it mean? Read this expert series and learn how to use emojis to upgrade your flirting!