What Does It Mean When Someone Kisses You on the Cheek?

Download Article

Learn what a cheek kiss can communicate from a friend, stranger, or crush

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: June 8, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Is a kiss on the cheek romantic?

|

Other Meanings

|

How to React

|

Other Types of Kisses

|

Video

Whether someone kissed you on the cheek recently or you've seen other people doing it, you might be wondering what cheek kisses actually mean. Is it a romantic thing, or just a friendly greeting? The truth is that it can be either one depending on the circumstances! In this article, we'll break down all of the different meanings behind cheek kisses, plus give you advice on how to react the next time someone kisses your cheek.

Things You Should Know

A kiss on the cheek is often a friendly greeting or platonic gesture.
From a friend or family member, a kiss on the cheek is a thoughtful way of saying, "I care about you."
A kiss on the cheek from a crush or single acquaintance could mean they like you as more than a friend.

Section 1 of 4:

Is a kiss on the cheek romantic?

Download Article

A kiss on the cheek can be romantic, but it depends on who it’s from. If a crush or single, eligible acquaintance kisses you on the cheek, there's a big chance they have feelings for you.^{[1]
X
Research source} This is especially true if the kiss happens in an intimate, private moment where it's just the two of you.
- Generally, a romantic kiss on the cheek is followed by a flirtatious compliment or instigated randomly throughout conversation (unlike a friendly greeting upon first seeing each other).
- A kiss on the cheek may be their way of seeing if you like them too—they’re gauging your interest.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}

Section 2 of 4:

Other Kiss on Cheek Meanings

Download Article

1
A kiss on the cheek could be a friendly greeting. In many cultures, a quick peck on the cheek is a way of saying, “Hi! How are you? It’s been so long.” Think of it like a platonic hug or handshake, just a bit more personal. Relatives and friends (of the same and opposite sex) tend to do this in Europe and Asia.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- In most countries, you kiss the right cheek first in greeting.
- Many people don’t end up actually touching the cheek they’re kissing with their lips. They do an air kiss, hovering over the cheek and making a quick kissing noise.
2
A kiss on the cheek can also be a platonic expression of love. In many instances, a kiss on the cheek is a way of saying, “I love and care for you,” in a friendly, supportive, and endearing way. This is often the case when relatives or family members kiss each other on the cheek.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- For instance, a father may kiss his daughter on the cheek before leaving for a trip, or a mother might kiss her daughter on the cheek before her first school dance.

Section 3 of 4:

How to React to a Kiss on the Cheek

Download Article

1
Smile. One of the best ways to react to a kiss on the cheek is to simply smile! Whether the peck on the cheek is coming from a crush or a distant relative, don’t hesitate to show those pearly whites. This is a great way to show appreciation for the kind gesture and reflect that it warmed your heart.
- If your crush or partner kisses you on the cheek, follow up your smile with a wink, flirty remark, or other form of kiss.
- If a relative or friend kisses you on the cheek in greeting, follow your smile with a friendly, “How are you?”
If someone kisses you on the cheek, they care for you one way or another, so don’t hesitate to show how you feel. You might give them a big hug or say, “I love you.” Either way, let them know how much their support and appreciation means to you.

Section 4 of 4:

Other Types of Kisses

Download Article

A kiss on the back of your hands is usually an endearing gesture that shows respect. You’ve likely seen this kiss in movies featuring royalty, as queens and princesses are often kissed on the hand in greeting.^{[5]
X
Research source}
A forehead kiss typically shows admiration and love.^{[6]
X
Research source} Your partner, significant other, or a family member may give you this kiss to show how much they care about and support you.^{[7]
X
Research source}
A kiss on the nose is often a pure and cute gesture. Partners or significant others typically do this kiss to say, “Hey, cutie!” or “I love you loads.” So, if your crush kisses you on the nose, they probably think you’re a cutie!
A French kiss is an intensely passionate kiss for lovers. This is the ultimate kiss featuring tongue-play—it’s a full-out makeout session! If someone gives you this kiss, they’re likely head-over-heels for you.^{[8]
X
Research source}
A kiss on the ear is reserved for lovers in the most passionate, intimate moments. This kiss is extremely sensual and can arouse many feelings.^{[9]
X
Research source}
A kiss on the neck is typically reserved for private, intimate moments between lovers. Like an earlobe kiss, a neck kiss is extremely passionate and sensual and often indicates an extreme love or desire.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Join the Discussion...

Why do humans kiss?

WikiFoxChaser795

What is the purpose of people kissing? What does it mean when people kiss? Why do people like to do it? I spent too long thinking about the actual mechanics of just pushing your mouth repeatedly against someone else's mouth and got weirded out...need someone to explain it to me.