what do all the little symbols that people put after a sentence in a message mean?

Answer 1

They are usually called "smileys" or emoticons. Often you have to turn them sideways to read them. Such as :-) is a smiling face. or ;-) is a wink or :-P is sticking your toungue out.

Because it is hard to put inflection in your voice when typing, it is difficult to let someone know when the message is intended to be sarcastic or humorous. So the most common use of a "smiley" is to let the person know that you are joking with your comment.

Answer 2

Depends on what they put.

(::| |::) = Bandaide.

(\_/)
( '.' )
(") (") = Bunny

Did you have any specifics?