Teasing or poking a little fun at someone can give everyone a big laugh; it can also be done as a sense of humour. But to the person who is being teased, it can sometimes be hurtful inside! Wanting to be a "good-sport", you may even laugh at the joke that is being played on you; you may laugh along the first time but if you are constantly being teased, then it is no longer funny and it can become annoying!

Teasing is funnier to the teaser than the person being teased. While some forms of teasing can be harmless and a way of showing affection for another person, for example, tickling or sharing practical jokes; teasing can also embarrass and hurt someone's feelings. Teasing can also cause offence and create misunderstandings.

One form of teasing is to pretend to give something which the other desires, or giving it slowly. This form of teasing could be called "tantalizing". Adults generally find this form of teasing "playful". However, it can be hurtful among children especially when one child acquires a possession of another child and refuses to return it.

Teasing is also common in flirting and dating. A man or a woman who is interested in someone might reject an advance the first time in order to arouse interest and curiosity, and then comply the second or third time.

Teasing in the form of verbal bullying or taunting can be very hurtful. It can irritate or annoy the recipient and it can generally be accompanied by some degree of social rejection. "Making fun of" someone's weight, appearance, behaviour, clothing and abilities are often hurtful to the victim, regardless of the intention of the teaser. Harassing or bullying that is unsolicited may also be regarded as humiliation when it is done in public, for example, in school or in the work place.

Determining whether the teasing is playful or hurtful depends on the motive of the teaser.  If the intention of the person is to harm, then the teasing is hurtful. Ultimately, if someone perceives himself or herself as the victim of teasing and experiences the teasing as unpleasant, then it is considered as hurtful. If the other person continues to "tease" after being asked to stop, then it is a form or bullying or abuse. Teasing that hurt in a form of bullying is serious business and it needs to be looked into seriously.