A Kiss Is Just a Kiss?: Comparing Perceptions Related to Female–Female and Female–Male Kissing in a College Social Situation

Abstract

The visibility of female –female kissing in the media and on college campuses has increased. Yet how female –female kissing influences perceptions of the women engaging in it has not been examined. College students’ (N = 164) understanding of female –female kissing and female –male kissing in an otherwise heterosexual context was examined. Men perceived female –female kissing as more atypical than did women. A woman who kissed a woman was viewed as more promiscuous than a woman who kissed a man. Yet a woman who kissed a woman was perceived as more likely heterosexual than bisexual or lesbian. Implications of these findings are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• bisexuality
• female –female kissing
• female –male kissing
• homosexuality
• dating
• promiscuity
• sexual orientation