Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Share Air Kiss While Out in Santa Monica

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are keeping a little breathing room between them … quite literally it seems, ’cause they’re opting for air kisses over real smooches in public!

The couple — who have been through the wringer in recent weeks — stepped out with Ben’s mom Chris in Santa Monica Sunday but avoided any lip contact whatsoever.

We’re not just talking mouth-to-mouth either … ’cause they straight up avoided pecks on the cheek too — choosing instead to go with the classic socialite air smack.

BA gave a thumbs up to the camera while walking with J Lo, and the two strolled arm-in-arm for a second or two … but, quite frankly, there isn’t a whole lotta contact between them.

Plus, Ben’s mom’s hanging out with them … so, safe to say this isn’t some kind of romantic rendezvous.

It’s the second time photogs have caught Jennifer out this weekend. As we told you … she walked into a studio in L.A. Friday looking a bit worse for wear — photos taken hours after she announced the cancelation of her tour.

She says she canceled the tour to focus on her family … a good reason to back out of her commitments, given all the difficulties between her and Affleck.

Remember, the two are no longer living together … but, they’ve made an effort to seem somewhat united, including attending Ben’s daughter Violet‘s graduation — though their hand-holding appeared very tense.

At the very least, the two are spending a lot of time together … but, this air kiss won’t fill fans of the couple with confidence.