In all its uses, "like" adds little color, and there are more descriptive words that can be substituted for almost all its uses.
1. (v) to mildly enjoy. Used by all ages.
1a. (v) To have mildly strong to strong romantic feelings for another. May imply a lack of confidence in
one's self or ability to commit. Used mainly from ages 11-17.
2. (comparison) Expressing little to moderate similarity between two or more objects,
people, ideas, etc. used in similes, along with synonym, as. Used by all ages.
3. (interjection) Meaningless verbal filler. Synonymous with
um and uh. Usually said unintentionally, while trying to finish a statement or question after starting. Should not be used when public speaking. Used mainly by ages 11-14. Stereotypically used by
tween girls.
4. (v) Said. Used mainly in past tense. As in 3, used to fill the
gap made by deciding what to say. Used by 14-30
1. I liked that movie enough that I'd rent it again, but I wouldn't buy it.
1a. I like her, but I
don't think I should tell her yet.
2. Tastes like
chicken.
3. I was just, like, walking in the park, when he, like, totally was, like, staring at me.
4. And then I was all like, "you don't know nothin about me"