Dear Internet,
In the comments to a recent question ( http://dearinter.net/question/1336) regional... hmm, displays of affection were brought up. I was brought up in the South (USA) and a hug is just as common a greeting as a handshake. So, this isn't so much about greetings within friends/family, but more about greetings generally acceptable for a total/near stranger in your region (mebbe not business meetings though).
hugs,
Magpie