Hug Day 2025: Different Types of Hugs, Their Meaning and Significance In A Relationship

Hug Day 2025: Valentine's Week is going in full flair with lovers trying every day to strengthen their bond with sweet gestures, gifts, and expressions of love. Each day from Rose Day to Hug Day, Valentine’s week allows romantic relationships to thrive with a visible display of love and affection.  

12 February marks the celebration of Hug Day in Valentine’s week. An intimate, and warm gesture of love, part of not just romantic affiliations but also of friendships and families. We tend to offer and receive different types of hugs in different emotions and situations. While we can feel the importance and meaning of those hugs in specific moments, have you ever wondered how many types of hugs there are and what different meanings, and significance they hold? Let’s unwrap it today. 

Types of Hugs & Their Meaning  

Hugs are the simplest forms of reassurance, expression of affection, and a deep connection displayed freely. 

Bear Hug: The long, lingered, arms over the shoulder hug is called the bear, where it literally feels like you’re hugging a cuddly teddy bear. This kind of hug denotes a deep connection, comfort, and security between the partners sharing the hug. Bear hugs can be a part of romantic or platonic relationships. They carry a sense of warmth and belonging. 

Waist Hug:  A popular kind of hug we have seen in films and shows where the two people totally embrace each other in a full-body hug face to face with the hands of one partner landing on the waist of the other. Passionate and subtly sensual, waist hugs are also a representation of longing, care, softness, and physical intimacy.

Back Hug:  Common to surprise someone, or comfort them, back hugs happen when one person holds their partner from behind, over the shoulders, with the two joining at their back and torso. It is an expression of trust, security, and a sense of belonging. 

Side Hug : A quick, sometimes casual, and friendly hug, is the side hug where people stand side-to-side with each other. It's mostly seen in friends, or a bunch of close-knit people. Instead of intimate frontal physical contact, this hug maintains a contract over the shoulders or arms.