If someone sends you *this* heart emoji, they might have a crush
ICYMI, there are a bunch of different heart emojis on your keyboard. Like, there are hearts in pretty much every color, and you’ve also got lots of ~quirky~ options at your disposal, too. (Hi, sparkly heart, or anatomically correct heart.) That said, because there are so many darn heart options out there, it makes sense if you’re not really sure when to use them, exactly. For example, which kind of heart emoji should you send to a crush? Which one should you put in your Instagram bio? When is it appropriate to send a bunch of mini hearts? These are the important questions.
That said, the editors at Women’s Health definitely feel your ~emoji frustration~, which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves (and a social media expert!) to determine heart emoji meanings, as well as when to use each color and type of emoji, specifically. TLDR; After reading this roundup you’ll not only be an emoji expert (which would be pretty amazing, lol) but you’ll also be a better communicator in general—texting skills can be an important part of maintaining in your relationships, especially if you can’t see people IRL.
Alright, now that you know there’s a solution to your heart-emoji cluelessness, it’s time to get to work. Keep reading for each and every heart emoji meaning out there, and when to use each color and type of emoji, exactly. Rest easy knowing your thumbs won’t freak the next time you’ve got to send bae (or your mom, hah) a cute li’l heart text.
1. White Heart 🤍
First things first, the very simple-looking white heart emoji. “This emoji is best to use along with other black and white emojis or any emojis that give off ~angel~ energy (i.e. ☁️🐚🕊🦢),” explains social media expert, writer, and micro-influencer Naydeline Mejia. “It’s purely for aesthetic purposes for captions and Instagram stories.”
Good for: Basically, only send this to someone if you’re trying to make your message ~look a certain way~ visually.
Bad for: Showing passion or love. (Let’s face it: This emoji can be a little bland.)
2. Brown Heart 🤎
While this emoji isn’t available on all smartphones (make sure you download all the latest phone updates for access!), it’s definitely a special one. Many reserve this emoji for Black and brown folks. It’s a means for BIPOC individuals to show love, healing, etc., which means that if you’re a white person, you probably shouldn’t use it.
Good for: Use by any Black or brown people.
Bad for: White people trying to show solidarity. (Pro tip: Just use a different color heart!)
3. Flat Red Heart ♥️
TBH this heart is kind of obscure, so I’m not sure exactly why you’d be using it. That said, if you’re having trouble finding the classic red heart emoji, this one will do. It reflects the look of a heart in a game of cards, so while the recipient may think your use of it is a bit strange, they’ll definitely get the gist.
Good for: Showing someone you ‘heart’ them when you can’t find the other hearts on your keyboard. Or, for talking about a game of cards, hah.
Bad for: Using normally, ‘cause why would you?
4. Copy And Paste Heart ♡
If you haven’t heard of this heart, it’s time to learn ASAP. Why? Not only is the bare-bones outlined heart kind of cute, but it also shows some ~personality~. (To access this heart, press control, command, and the space bar.) Like, you have to really put in effort in order to access this heart—AKA, you have to press a few different keys instead of one, hah—so it’s very intentional.
Good for: A quirky IG caption or a mushy paragraph to bae in your notes app.
Bad for: Communicating a specific meaning. This emoji is for the mysterious only.
5. Anatomical Heart 🫀
This heart is straight up weird, but that’s probably why you like it. You can use this one with your friends who get your odd humor, but definitely refrain from usage if you’re trying to genuinely convey desire or love with someone new. (They might be confused, hah.)
Good for: Using in your bio if you’re a medical student, being weirdos with your siblings or friends, etc.
Bad for: Communicating genuine love or lust, or when talking to someone who won’t get your anatomy humor.
6. Red Heart ❤️
ICYMI, the red heart is defined as “the love heart,” according to Mejia. “The red heart is reserved for your closest friends, family, and your partner,” she explains. “I wouldn’t send this to an acquaintance or friend you're just getting to know because it might come across a bit intense. This is also great to send to anyone experiencing loss or grief to let them know your thoughts are with them.” Noted!
Good for: Partners, close friends, family, grief.
Bad for: Casual relationships.
7. Orange Heart 🧡
Not sure why your fingers would gravitate toward the orange heart, TBH. It’s sort of the lazy man’s red heart, unless you’re going with some kind of orange theme for your social media or texting aesthetic. That said, to each their own. Use this emoji if you so desire!
Good for: Instagram aesthetics. Casual hookups or dating situations.
Bad for: Anything serious.
8. Yellow Heart 💛
“This is the unofficial platonic friendship heart,” Mejia explains. “It’s great to send to friends, acquaintances, and mutuals who you want to be friends with IRL.” Basically, it says, hey, I don’t know you, but I appreciate you and think you’re cool.
Good for: Creating all sorts of warm and fuzzy friendship vibes.
Bad for: Sending to a potential love interest.
9. Green Heart 💚
While this doesn’t have a specific meaning, per se, this heart is great for anyone with a green thumb. (Looking at you, plant-lovers!) It could also be associated with the environment, helping keep our earth safe, being waste-free, etc. Use it with a bunch of different plant emojis or green items to best convey your point. (Example: 💚🌱🍃🍀🎋🍄🌻🌷)
Good for: Creating a ~plants~ or ~go green~ vibe.
Bad for: Communicating with someone who doesn’t understand emoji culture. (See: your grandparents, your boss, your landlord, etc.)
10. Blue Heart 💙
It feels like the blue heart is typically used in a patriotic context. Like, say you’re trying to caption your Fourth of July IG picture. Or maybe you’re tweeting about the inauguration. Or maybe you’re celebrating the fact that Georgia went blue while texting your mom. This is kind of a use-as-you-see-fit emoji.
Good for: Political decrees or patriotic celebration.
Bad for: Honestly this emoji is pretty neutral. No need to worry about misusing.
11. Purple Heart 💜
This doesn’t mean, like, the medal that someone’ receives for their service. (Though if you’re texting a grandparent, it definitely could be.) In today’s culture, the purple heart emoji, rather, means horniness. This mutual understanding of all things purple heart is all thanks to Ty Dolla $ign, who has a song (called “Purple Emoji”) about insinuating sex by sending someone the purple heart emoji.
Good for: Telling your bae that you want to smash, ASAP.
Bad for: Anything at all platonic. No need to send the wrong signal that you want to be more than friends!
12. Black Heart 🖤
“Another heart that is purely aesthetic—it pairs well with 💀👻🦷🕷⛓,” Mejia explains. “It’s loved by the e-girls, guys, non-binary pals and emos alike.” Basically, if you’re an avid TikTok user, odds are you’ve seen this heart used at least once in your life, lol.
Good for: Captioning your e-girl TikTok or showing your bestie you’re sad.
Bad for: Anyone who doesn’t understand why your soul is so dark, hah.
13. Broken Heart 💔
Honestly, this one should be pretty obvious. A broken heart emoji conveys sadness or disappointment, and it works in just about any heartbreaking situation: You could be upset because of a failed romance or because of a tragic event. Regardless, the broken heart emoji is pretty widely accepted as a way of saying I’m crushed. (Both in serious and sarcastic situations.)
Good for: Demonstrating heartbreak or sadness. It can also be used ironically.
Bad for: Sending to your grandma as a joke. She will probably take it seriously.
14. Heart Exclamation Point ❣️
This emoji is meant to be silly and fun. It’s unique, some might say. You can use this emoji in just about any situation, especially if you’re trying to convey excitement. Send it to your friends, family, or partner when you have good news, or if you just want to tell them that you’re excited to see them.
Good for: Telling someone a piece of exciting news, giving someone a compliment, or just about anything else that’s lighthearted and positive.
Bad for: When you’re having a rather serious convo.
15. Two Static Pink Hearts 💕
The two static pink hearts emoji is what Mejia calls the “token of appreciation” heart. “It’s appropriate for any and all circumstances really,” she says. “It’s a great one to send your crush to let them know you think they’re a cutie. Commenting three of these under a friend’s selfie is also a less aggressive way to show love compared to “🔥🔥🔥.” Absolutely.
Good for: Being flirty, cute, or complimentary.
Bad for: Trying to express deep love or meaning via text.
16. Orbiting Pink Hearts 💞
If you’re having a heart-to-heart, in-depth conversation with someone, this is definitely the appropriate heart to use. The double, circling heart signifies that you guys are on the same page and that you’re being open or communicative.
Good for: Sending during deep conversations, apologies, granting forgiveness, exchanging ideas, or any other sort of mind meld.
Bad for: A super surface-level conversation.
17. Vibrating Pink Heart 💓
The vibrating pink heart is for, well, vibing. Maybe you and a crush just had an amazing date. (Or amazing sex.) This emoji tells whoever you’re sending it to that you’re operating on the same wavelength, and you’re pleased.
Good for: Sending and receiving all kinds of good vibes.
Bad for: Anything non-sexual or non-romantic. Just send a different emoji so that there’s no confusion.
18. Pink Heart Growing In Size 💗
Honestly, the purposes for this emoji are pretty sparse. Sure, if you want to be that person that sends weird emojis, feel free to include this one in your texting repertoire. Other than that, its interpretation is up to you. Some ideas: Maybe you want to show your love for someone is growing, that your heart is beating, that you love multiple people at once, etc.
Good for: Making someone scratch their head.
Bad for: Trying to be straightforward.
19. Sparkle Heart 💖
This heart gives off all the fairy godmother vibes. It’s universally accepted as cute, upbeat, and good-in-a-neutral-way, which means that you’re good to send it in just about any and every situation.
Good for: Any kind of chill, fun conversation.
Bad for: It’s hard to mess this one up!
20. Heart With Arrow Through It 💘
This emoji should be used on a situation-by-situation basis. It’s great for love-themed events like Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a proposal, a wedding, etc. That said, because it’s used pretty sparingly thus making it ambiguous, it can also be used for conveying any kind of flirtation or sexual interest while texting a potential (or already) bae. Since they may not know the exact meaning behind your use, they’ll probably find you mysterious and alluring for throwing it out there. (Which is good!)
Good for: Romance-themed days or captions, and flirting with a potential sexual partner.
Bad for: Anything remotely platonic.
21. Pink Heart Wrapped With Ribbon 💝
Send this to your partner and let them know that your heart is theirs. It’s literally wrapped up, yellow bow and all, and they can keep it forever. Basically, if you send this emoji, you’re obviously in a relationship with somebody. You’re cuffed.
Good for: Sending to your S.O. to make them feel the most special.
Bad for: Any kind of causal relationship. No one needs mixed signals!
22. Purple Text Box Heart 💟
Asking for a friend: What would bring you to use this emoji? If you want to be an eclectic oddball and use this box-covered heart, I guess you do you. Only Goddess can judge you!
Good for: Being obscure.
Bad for: Actual communication, hah.
Gone are the days you had to use the same plain-red heart emoji in every text, email, and Instagram caption. In 2023, your emoji keyboard features hearts in pretty much every colour, shape, and form, giving you plenty of options at your disposal for daily communication, from blue hearts to purple hearts to hearts on fire.
Because there are so many darn options out there, though, you may not know which ones to add to your regular emoji rotation. Which one should you put in your Instagram bio? Which one should you send to the casual crush who may or may not reciprocate your feelings? If someone sends you a purple heart, are they trying to hook up, or are you in the friend zone? These are the important questions.
Well, rest assured, because Women's Health has all the answers right ahead. An important caveat, though: Everyone uses emojis differently, and how you decide to text with them is ultimately up to you. Still, using some pop-cultural references, firsthand experience, and real social-media data about the keywords generally associated with each heart, WH will help you decode *that* IG comment you just received.
Keep reading for each and every heart emoji meaning, as well as some ideas about when to use each colour and type of emoji. Your thumbs can totally relax, knowing you and your recipient know exactly what the heart hands emoji means.
On-fire heart
This enflamed heart emoji pretty literally says, 'You set my heart on fire,' which can be either romantic or totally platonic. That said, it does have passion and sexiness written all over it.
Use this heart to caption a hot selfie on IG, or send it to a friend who's looking amazing.
Good for: Your besties or S.O., or for a ~passionate~ conversation.
Bad for: Your situationship or family
Bandaged heart
Siri, play 'SOS' by SZA.
IDK about you, but this one totally says 'Healing Girl Era' to me. It also represents protecting your own energy—maybe you've been hurt in the past, and you're feeling a little guarded.
Good for: Sending to close friends and family to show them you're feeling sad or going through some personal growth.
Bad for: Sending to any potential partners, or friends and family you don't talk to on a daily basis.
White heart
'This emoji is best to use along with other black and white emojis or any emojis that give off ~angel~ energy (i.e. ☁️🐚🕊🦢),' says Naydeline Mejia, an assistant editor at Women's Health.
According to 2021 data compiled by Emojipedia, Twitter users frequently pair this emoji with words including 'peace', 'remember', and 'angels', meaning this is heart emoji is often used to express grief over someone's passing.
Good for: Making your message ~look a certain way~ visually, or remembering someone close to you.
Bad for: Showing intense passion. (Let’s face it: This emoji can be a little bland.)
Brown heart
This was the least used heart emoji on Twitter in 2021, per Emojipedia. That said, it does have its own unique purposes: Emojipedia's data shows that words like 'skin' and 'Black' are often used in Tweets with this heart. In other words, this one's a means for BIPOC individuals to show love and healing.
Good for: Use by any Black or Brown people.
Bad for: White people trying to show solidarity. (Pro tip: Just use a different colour heart!)
Copy-and-paste heart
If you haven’t heard of this heart, it’s time to learn ASAP. Why? Not only is the bare-bones outlined heart kind of cute, but it also shows some ~personality~. Like, you have to really put in effort in order to access this heart, so it’s very intentional. (Psst, you can copy and paste it here: ♡).
Good for: A quirky IG caption or a mushy paragraph to bae in your notes app.
Bad for: Communicating a specific meaning. This emoji is for the mysterious only.
Red heart
ICYMI, the red heart is defined as 'the love heart', according to Mejia. 'The red heart is reserved for your closest friends, family, and your partners,' she explains. 'I wouldn’t send this to an acquaintance or friend you're just getting to know because it might come across a bit intense.'
Fun fact: The red heart emoji was also the most popular heart emoji on Twitter in 2021, per Emojipedia. Twitter users tend to pair this heart with sentiments of affection, gratitude, and appreciation, so it makes sense why you'd only use it with your nearest and dearest.
Good for: Partners, close friends and family
Bad for: Casual relationships
Orange Heart
This is sort of the lazy man’s red heart, unless you’re going with some kind of orange theme for your social media or texting aesthetic. Maybe you're rooting for a sports team that's associated with the colour? That said, to each their own. Use this emoji if you so desire!
Good for: Instagram aesthetics, casual hookups, or dating situations.
Bad for: Any serious expression of love
Yellow heart
Just like yellow roses symbolise platonic love, 'this is the unofficial platonic friendship heart,' Mejia explains. 'It’s great to send to friends, acquaintances, and mutuals who you want to be friends with IRL.'
Good for: Creating all sorts of warm and fuzzy friendship vibes
Bad for: Sending to a potential love interest
Green heart
While this doesn’t have a specific meaning, exactly, this heart is great for anyone with a green thumb. (Looking at you, plant lovers!) It could also be associated with the environment, helping keep our earth safe, being waste-free, etc. Use it with a bunch of different plant emojis or green items to best convey your point. (Example: 💚🌱🍃🍀🎋🍄🌻🌷)
Good for: Creating a ~go green~ vibe.
Bad for: Communicating with someone who doesn’t understand emoji culture
Blue heart
Emojipedia lists the blue heart as the unofficial 'brand' heart, often used alongside language about shopping, deals, and sales. You could also use this one in a patriotic context: Say you’re trying to caption a coronation IG picture, or maybe you’re tweeting about a recent election. Ultimately, the blue heart emoji is pretty versatile, and appropriate for most situations.
Good for: Brands, neutral topics, and political decrees or patriotic celebration.
Bad for: This emoji is pretty inoffensive. No need to worry about misusing.
Purple Heart
In today’s culture, the purple heart emoji often conveys horniness. This mutual understanding of all things purple heart is all thanks to Ty Dolla $ign, who has a song (called 'Purple Emoji') about insinuating sex by sending someone the purple heart emoji.
On the other hand, it's also the emoji that's associated with the K-pop band BTS since V coined the phrase 'I purple you' in 2016. In V's words, the colour purple symbolises love and trust, and members of the BTS ARMY have claimed this emoji ever since.
Good for: Telling your bae that you want to smash, ASAP... or showing your support for V, Jimin, and the rest of BTS. Hey, the purple heart contains multitudes!
Bad for: This one's also pretty versatile, but maybe not ideal for a heavy, emotional text to your mum.
Black heart
'Another heart that is purely aesthetic—it pairs well with 💀👻🦷🕷⛓,' Mejia explains. If you’re an avid TikTok user, odds are you’ve seen this heart used at least once in your life, since it's popular among the e-girl/guy crowd.
Good for: Captioning your e-girl TikTok or showing your bestie you’re sad.
Bad for: Anyone who doesn’t understand why your soul is so dark.
Anatomical heart
This heart is pretty quirky, but that’s probably why you like it. You can use this one with your friends who get your odd humour, but definitely refrain from usage if you’re trying to genuinely convey desire or love with someone new. (They might be confused!)
Good for: Using in your bio if you’re a medical student, being weirdos with your siblings or friends...
Bad for: Communicating genuine love or lust, or when talking to someone who won’t get your anatomy humour.
Heart exclamation point
This emoji is meant to be silly and fun. It’s unique, some might say. You can use this emoji in just about any situation, especially if you’re trying to convey excitement. Send it to your friends, family, or partner when you have good news, or if you just want to tell them that you’re excited to see them.
Good for: Telling someone a piece of exciting news, giving someone a compliment, or just about anything else that’s lighthearted and positive.
Bad for: When you’re having a rather serious convo
Two static pink Hearts
The two static pink hearts emoji is what Mejia calls the 'token of appreciation' heart. 'It’s appropriate for any and all circumstances, really,' she says.
'It’s a great one to send your crush to let them know you think they’re a cutie. Commenting three of these under a friend’s selfie is also a less aggressive way to show love compared to "🔥🔥🔥"'. It's pretty ubiquitous, too: it's the second most popular heart emoji used on Twitter, per Emojipedia's data.
Good for: Being flirty, cute, or complimentary.
Bad for: Trying to express deep love or meaning via text.
Orbiting pink hearts
If you’re having a heart-to-heart with someone, this is definitely the appropriate heart to use. The double, circling heart signifies that you two are on the same page and that you’re being open or communicative.
Good for: Sending during deep conversations, apologies, granting forgiveness, exchanging ideas, or any other sort of mind meld
Bad for: A super surface-level conversation
Broken Heart
This one should be pretty obvious. A broken heart emoji conveys sadness or disappointment, and it works in just about any heartbreaking situation: You could be upset because of a failed romance or because of a tragic event. Regardless, the broken heart emoji is pretty widely accepted as a way of saying I’m crushed. (Both in serious and sarcastic situations.)
Good for: Demonstrating heartbreak or sadness. It can also be used ironically.
Bad for: Sending to your grandma as a joke. She will probably take it seriously.
Vibrating Pink Heart
The vibrating pink heart is for, well, vibing. Maybe you and a crush just had an amazing date. (Or amazing sex.) This emoji tells whoever you’re sending it to that you’re operating on the same wavelength, and you can literally feel your heart beating.
Good for: Sending and receiving all kinds of good vibes.
Bad for: It might be less than ideal for anything non-sexual or non-romantic. Just send a different emoji so there’s no confusion.
Pink heart growing in size
Its interpretation is up to you. Some ideas: Maybe you want to show that your love for someone is growing, that your heart is beating, that you love multiple people at once, et cetera.
Good for: Making someone scratch their head
Bad for: Trying to be straightforward
Sparkle heart
This heart gives off all the fairy godmother vibes. It’s universally accepted as cute, upbeat, and good-in-a-neutral-way, which means that you’re good to send it in just about any and every situation.
Good for: Any kind of chill, fun conversation
Bad for: It’s hard to mess this one up!
Heart with arrow through it
This emoji should be used on a situation-by-situation basis. It’s great for love-themed events like Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a proposal, a wedding, et cetera.
It can also be used to convey any kind of flirtation or sexual interest while texting a potential (or already) bae. Since they may not know the exact meaning behind your use, they’ll probably find you mysterious and alluring for throwing it out there.
Good for: Romance-themed days or captions and flirting with a potential sexual partner.
Bad for: Anything remotely platonic
Pink heart wrapped with ribbon
Send this to your partner and let them know that your heart is theirs. It’s literally wrapped up, yellow bow and all, and they can keep it forever. Basically, if you send this emoji, you’re obviously in a relationship with somebody. You’re cuffed.
Good for: Sending to your S.O. to make them feel the most special.
Bad for: Any kind of causal relationship. No one needs mixed signals!
Purple text-box heart
Some possible suggestions: Uue this emoji when trying to create a purple-themed aesthetic, or in a caption where you're donning the colours of your purple-themed sports team, or to stand out among red hearts everywhere.
Good for: Being quirky and different
Bad for: Anything where the purple theme won't make sense
Heart hands
I'll say it: I have an obsession with the heart hands emoji. Not only is this super cute, but it can be used for nearly anything. Versatility means you can send it to a potential hookup to get your ~flirty energy~ across, or send it to your mom in a goodnight text. It's also fun for showing appreciation over text or IG.
Good for: Literally whatever you want, especially if you want to be flirty or cute in any text convo.
Bad for: I'll be honest, I can't think of a situation where you shouldn't send this emoj!
Smiley hearts
This adorbs emoji has a simple meaning, in my eyes—it's meant to convey your love for someone, whether they're your partner, friend, or a family member. I most commonly use this emoji when saying 'I love you' over text, or when I'm thanking someone.
Good for: Sending to your love interest, family, or friends, especially when words aren't enough to convey how much you appreciate them!
Bad for: Your situationship or FWB—reserve this li'l guy for someone you truly love
Ice-blue heart
One of the newer heart emojis, this cool blue heart is super trendy—so naturally, I love to use it. Personally, I think this emoji makes the most sense if you're going for an icy aesthetic on Instagram.
'I’d use this emoji paired with other tropical emojis to brag about my beach vacation,' says Women's Health US assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon. 'Or maybe to celebrate a newborn child. It’s versatile like that.' Where's the lie?
Good for: Creating an Instagram aesthetic, sending love to family and friends, and flirting with the Hinge hottie who you've been out with a few times.
Bad for: Sending to your situationship—but then again, I'd avoid sending them any hearts at all!
Grey heart
'Like the black heart, this emoji is for the fashionable, alt crowd, as it can easily slip into your spooky photo dumps,' McMahon says. 'However, it can also easily fit your favourite fall sweater IG post.'
I couldn't agree more. This emoji might also make sense to send to others when you're a bit sad, and they're showing you support. Maybe you feel slightly cloudy in the head, but you still want to show them your appreciation.
Good for: Sending to family and friends (especially in a conversation when they're supporting you), and spooky photo dumps.
Bad for: Sending to a potential S.O. who you're still just getting to know.
Bright-pink heart
Ah, the bright heart. It's one of my favourites because it's just *so* pretty, and also versatile. I send it to everyone, from my besties to my grandma.
'This is my go-to for the girlies or friends to express my love for them! It’s sweet and platonic, while still giving tons of affection,' McMahon says. 'It’s a step up in seriousness compared to the pink static hearts but expresses deep love.'
Good for: Friends and family in any context, especially when you want to send extra love.
Bad for: Your latest hook-up or situationship—it might mess up the vibes, tbh.
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