Let me explain.
My shower is inconsistant in how hot it gets. Whenever I turn on the shower, I always put my hand really close to the water, but not touching it, so I can feel the heat radiate from the shower. That way, if I can feel it from a distance, I know it is too hot.
I also notice that if the water is very cold, I can feel it as well. Do I feel the absence of radiating heat? Am I actually touching the water and not noticing it?
Sorry if the questions isn't technical enough; it's more of an everyday physics question.