l know that you can if they have an outbreak. but is it really easy to catch it if they dont have a cold sore or anything?

its a BIG YES.

In short YES! As with genital herpes, there is something called ''viral shedding'' this simply means that although there is not a sore present, the virus is present and it can be passed on to other people during this time. Herpes, both oral and genital are VERY contagious and both can be transferred to the opposite place (oral to genital & vice versa) If you think you've been exposed, seek medical care asap. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!!!

Saliva is one of the highest causes of herpes spreading, so u can definitely catch the herpes virus from kissing someone who has it. This is especially so if the person has the blisters around their mouth or on their lips. The fluid from the blisters (cold sores) as well as their saliva can transmit the virus to you.

How is Herpes Spread?
Kissing isn’t the only way to spread herpes. Studies show that skin-to-skin contact & sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal & oral) can spread the herpes simplex virus. The main areas that r easily affected r moist areas, such as the mouth, throat, lips, vagina, vulva & eyes.
http://micronutra.com/journal/herpes/can-i-get-herpes-from-kissing

Oral herpes can be spread through kissing but NOT through saliva.
Herpes is spread through skin to skin contact with an open or visible cold sore (like kissing or oral sex). There is less of a chance of u spreading oral herpes when u do not have a sore but there is still a very small chance of u passing it on.
4 out of 5 people (80-90 percent) of the world is population has them so they r kind of common to have. There may be a good chance that the person u want to kiss has them too. If so then they would be unlikely to get the same type of herpes from u again.
l am positive for HSV1 & HSV2