The Different Colors of Emoji Hearts Actually Have Different Meanings

Emojis are a regular part of our digital communication—used in social media posts, comments, texts, and emails. While many emojis are easy to interpret, some, like heart emojis, carry meanings you might not expect.

There are many heart colors, and although you may choose your favorite, each color actually sends a different message. Understanding what each heart color represents can help avoid miscommunication.

The red heart is the most traditional. It symbolizes love and romance and is a safe option in most cases—though it might seem intense in new relationships. The orange heart is often seen as a placeholder for love, typically used when someone isn’t ready to express deeper feelings. It’s commonly used by men hesitant to send a red heart.

The yellow heart signifies friendship and is ideal for family or close friends, not romantic partners. The green heart is not eco-related but instead often associated with community service or those who volunteer often.

The blue heart is best for casual acquaintances or surface-level friendships—not close friends. The purple heart can mean one of two things: an honor like a military award or something more suggestive like a flirtation or booty call, so use it carefully.

The white heart is relatively new and often used in times of sympathy, such as during grief. It should not be used in conversations about race. The black heart symbolizes deep, enduring love—stronger than red—and is not appropriate for casual crushes. Finally, the brown heart is intended for people of Black or brown skin tones and shouldn’t be used casually by others.