hmm. this could be anything.
eye 'swelling' that is not contact lens related is usually allergy related IMO. pain that is not contact lens related is usually sinus pressure...might go along with the allergy comment.
this is all really just guessing, as there are so many different kinds of pain, and so many different causes for problems such as these. i do not think this sounds 'serious' or emergent, but i also dont think its going to be easy to figure out what it is, especially w/o an eye examination.
if it doesnt resolve, you probably need an eye exam.
Also,
My girlfriend has type 1 herpes (the mouth kind), and I think she may have either kissed or slightly licked my eye the night before, and she just started an outbreak yesterday (I know that sounds weird).
Could this have caused it? Can that cause any danger?
um, a little unlikely.
plus you would/will know it if you ever have herpes keratits. VERY painful, VERY red, VERY light sensitive. not ever described by anyone as "dull pain directly below the center of my right eye".
i wouldnt worry too much about the possible herpes simplex exposure. if you get simpex keratits, you'll know it and then you can go have it treated with trifluridine.