With "like", -ing is more common because in most cases, the emphasis is on an activity that IS HAPPENING as opposed to one which is TO HAPPEN in the future or which could happen. There is a special use of like to ... e.g. I like to think that I help people in my work. = I want to help and I think I do help. The infinitive makes sense here because the idea is more abstract and we are not talking about action that is happening.

In classical grammar after like we use verb+ing. Last time without difference

after like.. VERB + ING

My head hurts thinking about this :-) There is a difference from the gerund (-ing) and the infinitive. I may not be able to explain it that well. I think I prefer (and would use most) the more active form: 'I like walking the dog' versus 'I like to walk the dog'. Perhaps to 'like walking' is used when comparing and to 'like to walk' is used more philosophically.

I like + ing = I enjoy it I like skiing. I like going out with my friends. I like + to = I think it's a good idea to do it. I like to do my homework right after I come back from school. I like to tidy up my flat on Saturday mornings.