What 16 of the Most Common Hugs Mean

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Which hugs mean they're into you (and which ones mean you're just friends)?

Co-authored by Imad Jbara and Devin McSween

Last Updated: August 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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You're meeting an old friend for lunch when they enthusiastically greet you with a long, tight hug. As the seconds go by, you’re left wondering if this is a friendly hug, or if it means they’ve been harboring a secret crush on you after all these years! The duration, body placement, and pressure during a hug can actually tell you if someone is feeling romantic or if they only view you as a friend. In this article, we’ll decode what each type of hug means and tell you how to replicate them so that you can hug like you mean it.

Things You Should Know

A tight bear hug or a hug with back pats is usually friendly and platonic.
If their arms are around your waist or they’re hugging you from behind, the hug is romantic.
A quick distant hug or a sideways hug is mostly just polite and impersonal.

1

The Classic Hug

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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]
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- 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.^{[2]
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2

The Bear Hug

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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.^{[3]
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- Be careful to not squeeze too tightly during this hug.

3

The Hug at the Waist

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This is a very common hug between romantic partners that signifies they are comfortable together. Simply wrap your arms around your partner’s waist and hold onto them to show that you care.^{[4]
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4

The Side Hug

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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 that it is more polite and friendly.^{[5]
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- However, if a close friend or romantic partner gives you this hug, it can be a sign of quick affection, comfort, or encouragement.^{[6]
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5

The Hug from Behind

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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.^{[7]
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- 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.

6

The Quick Hug

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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.^{[8]
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- 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.

7

One Armed Hug

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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.^{[9]
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- 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.

8

The Patting Hug

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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.^{[10]
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- Many people also call this the “Bro” or “Buddy” hug because men commonly greet their friends with a few slaps to the back.

9

The Triangle Hug

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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.^{[11]
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10

The Unreciprocated Hug

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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.^{[12]
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11

The Catcher Hug

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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.^{[13]
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- 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.

12

The Eye to Eye Hug

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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.^{[14]
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- 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.^{[15]
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13

The Cuddle Hug

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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.^{[16]
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- You can turn this hug up a notch with caressing and kissing to get more romantic with your partner.

14

The Group Hug

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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.^{[17]
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15

The Pickpocket Hug

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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.^{[18]
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16

The Self Hug

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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.^{[19]
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What are some signs that a hug is more romantic than friendly?

Imad Jbara
Dating Coach
Imad Jbara is a Dating Coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, a relationship coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Imad services 100+ clients, men and women, to improve their dating lives through authentic communication skills. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Imad Jbara

Dating Coach

Expert Answer

A romantic hug is usually tighter, so you might notice them squeezing you more. Additionally, they might hold the hug a little longer than usual. You could also feel chemistry between you and the person.

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What does a hug with both arms around the neck mean?

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A hug with both arms around the neck is usually used between partners. It implies love and warmth.

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What does it mean when someone hugs you and lifts you up?

Colt Grant

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This is called a "catcher hug" when someone lifts you during a hug.

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Pay attention to how the hug feels if you're trying to figure out if the hug is friendly or romantic. With a romantic hug, you might feel a spark or chemistry between you.^{[20]
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