A hickey might not strictly qualify as a type of kiss. According to one source, while it involves the mouth, a hickey (also called a love bite) is defined as a red mark left on the skin when a partner sucks the area hard enough.
Hickey vs. Kiss: Key Differences
| Feature | Kiss | Hickey |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Action | Pressing the lips against someone or something. | Sucking the skin forcefully. |
| Main Purpose | Affection, love, greeting, or passion. | To create a visible mark through suction. |
| Result | Generally no lasting mark. | A red or purple mark on the skin caused by broken blood vessels. |
| Passion Level | Varies greatly, from gentle pecks to deep, passionate kisses. | Often associated with intense passion. |
| Social Acceptability | Generally acceptable in many contexts, depending on the type of kiss. | Can be considered inappropriate or unprofessional in some situations due to its visibility. |
While kissing can certainly lead to a hickey, the hickey itself is the result of the suction, rather than the kiss itself. The reference suggests experimenting, implying that a hickey is a more "bold" action than a standard kiss.
