fondling vs caressing

fondling and caressing both are nouns.

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

As nouns, fondling and caressing are synonyms defined as:

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

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

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