hugging vs caressing

hugging and caressing both are nouns.

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

As nouns, hugging and caressing are synonyms defined as:

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

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

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