Master the 4 Kisses in Minutes

No matter what you may have heard, a kiss is not just a kiss. Each one is unique and usually falls into one of four categories. Depending how you feel about your partner, you''re likely to use one of the following kissing techniques:

1. The "hello" kiss
Also known as the "first" kiss, the "polite" kiss, or in some circles, "the English kiss, " this light lip-lock says, "I like you, and I'd like to see you again, but I'm certainly not prepared to move to the next level just yet."

The "hello" kiss lasts for a moment, but not longer than two. Lips meet for the smallest possible amount of time, and no movement is recorded on either side. It's definitely pre-romantic and most often used by people who are interested in each other but still too shy to stick their necks (or tongues) out.

2. The "interested" kiss
Also known as the "investigative" kiss, this technique is often the first a couple will use. The "interested" kiss is not an expression of affection as much as a fact-finding mission designed to answer a series of questions: Is he a cold fish or a keeper? Does she really like me? How comfortable is he being this close? If the chemistry's right, couples may proceed to Kiss #3.

3. The "passionate" kiss
Also known as the "I love you" (or "I lust after you" ) kiss and "French" kiss, this passion play finds couples with their eyes closed and mouths open. Only the closest of companions should attempt the "passionate" kiss as it is usually intensely intimate.

4. The "goodbye" kiss
Unfortunate dating dilemmas find the recently single referring to this technique as "the kiss off." Lips are pursed and dry; your tongue is turtled well inside your own mouth; and your eyes are open (though potentially glaring) and scanning for the next hottie on the horizon. An advanced trick is to keep your hands on the other person's shoulders ?- not to convey affection, but for ease of maneuvering him or her out the door.