Is kissing someone while i have a cold sore any different than when i don't? (this is assuming i shed the virus identically with and without a sore.)

Herpes: You most likely are shedding more virus when you have an active sore and are therefore more likely to transmit the virus. The good news is that most people by reaching your age have already been infected with herpes type1 and you won't be giving them anything new. It would be best to refrain from any skin-to-skin contact with your sores until they are fully healed.