caressing vs hugging

caressing and hugging both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
caressing	Yes	No	No	No
hugging	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, caressing and hugging are synonyms defined as:

caressing and hugging: affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)

Other synonyms of caressing include cuddling, fondling, kissing, necking, petting, smooching, snuggling.

caressing (noun)	hugging (noun)
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)	affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)