what does "=3" mean in chat or text?

[Neon]

i've seen this several times and can never figure out what it means!

 

[Adam S]

It's a smiley face variant.

 

[rainie]

turn your head to the left.

 

[justin h]

I would believe that to be a decapitated weener.

 

[UniquelyGothic]

=3 i use it

it doesn't mean chat or text dear

it means different things but mainly in japanese anime its a cute face i interpret it as a cute but excited and happy face ^_^