33 Subtle Signs to Know When to Kiss a Girl & Time the Moment Right

Do you know when to kiss a girl? Get the timing wrong and it could be a disaster. Understand the right time and you will make a truly lasting impression. 

First dates are strange things. We’ve all been through that uncomfortable moment where they lean in for the kiss and a myriad of awkward and embarrassing situations suddenly pop up. If you’ve ever been in any of these situations, it’s time to strategize and observe your target before literally diving in for a kiss. You simply need to get your timing right and learn when to kiss a girl and predict the moment right.

When you’re dating a new girl, you need to know when the right time is to kiss her so you don’t screw up the first kiss. Since you’re not a mind reader, this is extremely difficult to do.

But luckily, we have some tips that may help. [Read: 10 major first kiss red flags that lead to a toxic relationship]

So you lean in and this happens…

There are five possible scenarios that may happen when you lean in to kiss a girl after a *hopefully* successful date.

The first scenario is that she kisses you back. Obviously, this is the outcome you want.

A second scenario is that she avoids the kiss by stepping away and says ‘good night.’ Not ideal.

The third scenario is a little worse; she pushes you away gently or otherwise and says ‘goodnight.’

A fourth option is that she panics and slams her front door in your face.

Of course, the fifth and worse scenario of them all is that she slaps you.

Scenarios 1, 2, and 3 are the big favorites, while 3 and 4 are thankfully highly unlikely. Still, it’s better to be prepared for any possibility if your date doesn’t feel like giving you a kiss before you say good night.

People assume that just because they’re on a date that they’re entitled to a kiss in the middle or the end of the date. If this were a perfect world created by a man’s mind, that could be true.

However, a kiss has to happen when two people feel a connection – romantic or otherwise. If she doesn’t want to kiss you, there’s nothing you can do about it. [Read: 15 signs of a bad date that reveal a total lack of chemistry]

Why the first kiss is important

The first kiss basically sets the stage for you. When you spend an entire date getting to know someone and building up that chemistry, it all comes down to that very first kiss. If it’s not good, it can ruin your chances of securing a relationship with a girl.

That’s why the very first kiss is super important. You want to make sure you do it right and at just the right time. Knowing when to kiss a girl for the first time can mean the difference between her becoming your girlfriend or her disappearing from your life for good. [Read: 15 ways to make your first kiss more memorable]

How do you give her the best first kiss?

Most often, first kisses aren’t planned – they just happen unexpectedly *which is admittedly the best part!* It never turns out the way you expect, which is what makes a first kiss so incomparable and beautiful.

However, if you plan to kiss her on a specific date, you have to kiss her with feelings.  Don’t rush it, but take in every moment you can get with that kiss.

In a romantic first kiss, this is primarily why it’s slow and passionate. Also, the best first kiss isn’t about getting things perfectly, but really about the timing and moment of it all.

You can have a first kiss and end up laughing amidst it all – and still call it a perfect one. [Read: How to kiss a girl for the first time and not screw up]

When to kiss a girl for a successful first kiss

That first kiss is something she’ll remember forever and it’s a story she’ll be telling her friends about for the entirety of your relationship. That’s why you have to make it count by knowing just when to kiss her.

If you’re really not sure when the best time to kiss a girl is, we’re here to help you out. The next time you’re on a first date or getting closer to a girl you really like, here’s what to do.

1. After the entire date is done

Some people make the mistake of kissing a girl too early on the date and it can make it awkward and uncomfortable. Even if you know this girl really well already, let the entire date go by before making your move.

Try not to kiss her in the middle of the date, as you’re enjoying one another’s company. There’s a reason why first kisses are often done at the end of a date! [Read: 50 incredible first date ideas to wow your new fling]

2. When you feel like you know her well

Sometimes one date just isn’t enough time to get to know someone well enough to kiss them. Some people even think you should wait until three dates before kissing a girl.

Trust your gut, and when you feel like you know her just enough to give her that first kiss, then go do it. It’s a personal preference really on when to provide that first kiss!

3. When you can read her body language

Watch closely for girls’ body language when deciding when to give her that first kiss. Girls give off very obvious signs that they want to be kissed.

When she’s leaning in really close, if she’s giggling a lot, and even when she’s biting her lip. These are all telling you it’s time to kiss her. So go ahead, take it as a hint and kiss her *and give her a kiss she’ll remember!* [Read: All the signs she’s ready for you to kiss her]

4. When you’re both alone

Kissing a girl in public for the first time is just not a good idea in general. She doesn’t want her first kiss from you to be displayed to a bunch of strangers.

This is one tip we can give on when to kiss a girl that applies to most girls out there. PDA really isn’t advisable for a first kiss, so you need to ensure you’re both alone when you give it a go.

5. If she’s leaning in

Remember what we said about body language? The fact that she’s leaning in is a pretty strong indicator of when to kiss a girl, which means kiss her now!

When a girl is leaning in and even has her eyes mostly closed, she wants you to make your move. She’s basically handing you a free opportunity to plant one on her – so take it! [Read: When she leans in close and 36 other body language signs she’s into you]

6. When she’s glancing from your eyes to your lips

Another way to know when to kiss a girl is if she’s eyeing up your lips. People tend to look at someone else’s lips an awful lot when they want to kiss them.

So if her eyes are shifting from your own eyes to your lips, it’s time to move in. Take that as a hint that she wants you to kiss her, so lean in and kiss her!

7. After an emotionally intimate moment

If you’ve ever noticed this about romantic movies, two people often share the first kiss after a vulnerable moment. Maybe one opened up about their past or shared something personal they don’t usually say out loud.

If you’re being open on a date and it’s just two of you alone, it’s pretty great timing to kiss her at that moment.

When you both have shared something intimate and vulnerable, you should definitely kiss her. Really, you’re already being vulnerable emotionally, why not make it physically as well? [Read: How to arouse a girl and make her horny while sitting next to her]

8. When you know you want to make her your girlfriend

Don’t just go around kissing a bunch of girls you don’t even want to date. You should know how you feel about her first.

The minute you want her to be your girlfriend and not just someone you’re casually dating, that’s when you know the timing is right. Kiss her as a brave declaration of love, and that’s one way she’ll remember your first kiss for a significant period.

9. After she initiates a lot of physical contact

Another great way to know when to kiss a girl is if she’s really touchy-feely with you. This shows her level of comfort and also makes her move in really close to you.

Maybe she’s subtly breaking the touch barrier or finding excuses to touch you so if this is the case, then go ahead and kiss her already! [Read: How to make out with a girl for the first time and make her love it]

10. When she says you can

If you’re really shy, just wait for her to tell you to kiss her. Sometimes girls are very bold and will just come out and say it. If she does, then you better go for it!

This way, the assurance comes directly from her, and there’s no need to decipher body signals and signs. When she says to go for it, then don’t hesitate further! [Read: The perfect first kiss – 22 tips to make it oh-so-amazing!]

11. When she’s in a good mood

If you’re serious about not getting slapped in any way, then don’t kiss her when she’s upset or having a bad day. If you want to know when to kiss a girl and get her to kiss you back, choose a time when she’s feeling good and happy about herself.

12. She gives you glances

If she’s giving you eye contact or dreamy glances simultaneously, this could be a signal she wants you to give that first kiss!

Especially when you notice her looking at you more often than usual, she’s trying to tell you something that her words aren’t. After all, the eyes never lie, do they?

13. She flirts with you

Girls flirt with you in several ways, and you should keep this in mind if you want to know when to kiss a girl. If she’s flirting with you more than usual such as subtle touches, pick-up lines, or even something direct as seductive lines, then she definitely wants you to kiss her!

Take her flirting as a hint and lean closer, giving her that memorable first kiss she wants. [Read: 15 flirting signs to instantly know if someone is flirting with you]

14. A goodbye hug

You often see this in movies – the girl gives the guy a goodbye hug and takes forever before saying goodnight at the end of the date.

When you hug someone, your faces are just inches apart, and all it takes is a little bit of courage to kiss them. If she gives you a goodbye hug and you see that she lingers after that hug, then she clearly wants you to kiss her. So what else are you waiting for? [Read: How to kiss a girl on the first date]

15. A romantic setting

Life isn’t obviously a romantic movie where roses and candles will always surround you. But if your date is particularly in a romantic setting *maybe you took her to a dinner with a city light view, or there were fireworks involved* then kiss her!

If there’s ever a time to make a first kiss most memorable for her, it’s when there’s the element of romance in the air. [Read: The 30 sweetest romantic gestures for everyday life]

16. She stays put even after she says goodbye

You’ve seen this a thousand times in romantic movies. We’re here to tell you that it is a legitimate green light for you to lean in and sweep your date off her feet with an amazing kiss.

She’s basically waiting for you to make a move, otherwise she would have walked away after bidding you goodnight.

17. She tilts her head to the side while making eye contact

If she doesn’t show any signs of ending the night, you can rest assured that she’s placing her lips in a prime position for a good night kiss. Don’t attack her with a wet, sloppy make-out session. Give her a light and feathery kiss in case she wasn’t really expecting it at all.

18. She doesn’t get out of the car immediately when you arrive at her place

It’s the same principle as hanging around after saying goodbye. She could be waiting for you to say something more, but she could also be waiting for you to try and kiss her before she leaves. [Read: 50 cute things to say to a girl before kissing her]

19. She lets you hold her hand or drape your arm around her

It’s not a definitive green light, but it does give you room to explain that you felt close enough to your date to try to kiss her. [Read: How to touch a girl on a date, subtly turn her on and make her want more from you]

20. She leans in to kiss you first

Not all girls make the first move, but plenty of them will be the ones to lean in for the kiss first. Of course, it’s hot when the girl makes the first move and gives you relief since you know she’s interested, for sure. Then, you have full range to continue kissing her unless she tells you to stop.

21. You feel that magnetic moment

You know the moment. It’s that moment when everything goes quiet and you look into each other’s eyes, both of your eyes drifting down to each other’s lips.

Perhaps her hand moves through your hair or yours touches her face—you know, that moment. It’s like you are pulled together like magnets. [Read: How to get a girl to kiss you by arousing her and take the pressure off]

22. She touches you

Nonverbal communication is a huge indicator of whether or not someone is sexually attracted to you. Is she touching you? Rubbing your arm or leg? Does she touch your hair or chest?

When it comes to figuring out when to kiss a girl, these signs show that she’s into you and probably ready for a kiss as well. She’s moving into your personal space. Try to mimic her gestures and see how she responds.

23. She gets impatient and asks you to kiss her

If you delay this kiss for some time because you’re scared, she may eventually become so frustrated that she just blurts out if you’re ever going to kiss her.

We can’t blame the girl; maybe she threw you obvious signs but you didn’t notice. If it comes to that point, kiss her. She’s literally asking you to do it.

How to make it count and make the kiss just perfect!

Like we’ve said many times already, your first kiss is everything. Here are a few tips to make sure you make the most of your special moment with her. [Read: 19 types of gross kisses you should never give]

1. Check your breath

Gross breath can really ruin a great kiss. Even if you’re a great kisser, if she can smell your breath before you even plant your lips on hers, it’s really not good.

Have some gum and mints with you at all times. You never know when you’re going to need it! Breath spray could also do you some good.

2. Keep your lips nice and moisturized

Girls aren’t the only ones who need to keep their lips nice and moisturized, you know? Another thing that can make a great kiss horrible is dry, cracked lips.

Girls don’t really want to feel your rough lips scraping against hers when she’s trying to enjoy a kiss. Always hydrate yourself before a date and moisturize your lips while you’re at it! [Read: 15 super simple ways to keep yourself sexy at any age]

3. Do it slowly

Remember what we said about not rushing things? Diving in for a fast kiss usually isn’t the best idea when it’s the first one. When you kiss a girl, do it in a slow manner so if she’s not ready, she has plenty of time to back out.

A slow kiss is a kiss she’ll remember for a long time to come, especially since this is often the type of kiss that provides feelings and emotions in them. You wouldn’t want her to think you’re giving her an empty first kiss now, would you? [Read: 12 slow kissing tips for a perfect smooch]

4. Leave her wanting more

If you don’t want your first kiss to be your last one, then this is an important tip for when to kiss a girl and how to make it count. Give her one, smooth kiss and then pull away.

She’ll come to you if she wants more. This takes the pressure off you and puts the ball in her court. Make sure it ends with her wanting more from the kiss. [Read: 15 kissing techniques for that heartbeat-skipping kiss]

5. Don’t overthink it

We know how easy it can be to overthink the first kiss *especially since it’s that important*, but don’t overanalyze everything.

Keep these tips in mind, but go with the flow and go with your gut instinct. Kiss her when you feel like it’s the right time for both of you to get to that stage. [Read: 22 tips to make the first kiss oh-so-amazing]

Why aren’t you getting that first kiss?

When it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t mean that the date was a failure. It just means that the girl you’re with isn’t ready to take that next step. Kissing is a special act that happens when two people who are attracted to each other feel the urge to connect physically.

It needs to be mutual. You can’t just attempt it thinking that she might go along with it. Don’t judge her because of her decision to ignore your attempt. Girls usually have a valid reason as to why they don’t want to do it.

So, why do people prefer not to kiss? [Read: How to cut a bad date short – The best and worst guilt-free excuses]

1. They don’t feel a connection yet

Some people feel this immediately, while some people are too guarded to notice that you both work well together.

Kissing may seem trivial to some, but others think it’s as special as making love. If you really like the person, you should be willing to wait for them to be open about being physical with you.

2. One of you has bad breath

Oh, it happens. It could be a deal-breaker or it could just be something that you can laugh about in the future. Either way, it’s not a good way to end an amazing date.

If you want to avoid this * and drop a hint in a cheeky way* reach into your pocket and take out a few mints. Pop one into your mouth in an obvious way, and ask your date if she’d like one. If she’s conscious about her breath, she’d be thankful!

And all said and done, she’ll know exactly why you reached for those minds in the first place!

3. She doesn’t like you enough

Bad breath or not, a girl will not opt to kiss you if she doesn’t like you at all. If she did, you would end up assuming that there’s still a chance for the both of you. By refusing to kiss you, she may very well be saving you from a fruitless pursuit of her affection. [Read: 15 signs she’s not interested in a second date with you and you just let go]

4. The date went badly

Somebody has to say it. If nobody will, the lack of a goodnight kiss will do that for you. No matter how much you like a person, a kiss is less likely to happen if the night ended badly.

Any number of circumstances could make this happen. If the first date’s a failure, pray and hope it’ll go better next time – if there is a next time.

5. The setting isn’t right

Doorways are the perfect setting for goodnight kisses. Freeways, restrooms, and living rooms with parents present aren’t exactly the ideal location for a romantic interval.

If your date doesn’t feel like it’s the proper place to give or receive a kiss, she won’t let it happen. [Read: 15 things to do on a first date to make your date fall for you]

So, when to kiss her?

Remember that these are just signs that she MIGHT be willing to kiss you. If she backs away when you try to, don’t push it further. Knowing when you can kiss a girl, and if you are allowed to kiss her, are two very different things.

If she shows any signs that she does not want to be kissed, respect her decision not to engage in any physical intimacy. She has her reasons and you should respect them.

Just because it isn’t about sex doesn’t mean it’s not important to the people involved. A kiss is something shared by two people who care about each other or who are very attracted to each other. It will happen if it’s meant to happen.

[Read: How to kiss a girl for the first time and 15 steps to make sure you don’t screw up]

The first kiss with someone new really sets the stage for your relationship. Knowing when to kiss a girl can be crucial. Remember just to follow your gut, and you should be fine!