What does it mean when a girl tells a guy he's handsome instead of telling him he's hot?

[BobSacamano]

I frequently get told by females that I'm handsome, and less frequently get told by females I'm hot. When and why do girls choose to use the word handsome to describe a guy?

[lost_soul]

i understand what they mean when they describe you haha

i do it as well and its quite hard to explain

its like, justin bieber (I hate him! but he's the best example I can think of) is described mostly as cute by his female fans, but someone like tyson ritter (all american rejects :D) is hot! and jared padalecki is handsome :)

its kinda an age thing as well. you don't really call a 30 year old etc "cute"

[flowergirl93]

Being called handsome is better than being called hot., in my opinion.

Handsome = I would date you

Hot = Good looks but not my type

[Anonymous]

I personally use "handsome" for guys I'm geninuely attracted to (in terms of dating).

"Hot" is for the guys who look good but aren't my type.

[75superman]

Good info. I've woundered that myself. I've been called handsome and cute, but not hot since high school - lol - thought maybe I was loosing my looks - :) just kidding.

[allen_88]

What about "cute?"

[Opinion Owner]

For me "cute" is above "hot" but still below "handsome".

"Cute" would be he looks really good, and he's kinda my type.