The invention relates to aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins giving excellent balance between tack and shear properties even at low coating weights. These resins are characterized in that they have a Ring and Ball (R&B) softening point of 94.degree. C. or lower, a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of not more than 2000 Dalton, a Z-average molecular weight (Mz) of not more than 6000 Dalton and a mixed methylcyclohexane aniline cloud point (MMAP) between 25 and 45.degree. C. The aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins of the invention may be prepared by subjecting polymerization feeds containing petroleum feeds which comprise (a) C5 and C6 olefins and/or diolefins including cycloolefins, (b) aromatic monomers and (c) (di-)cyclodiolefins to a Friedel-Crafts polymerization. The invention is also directed to the use of the aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins as mono-tackifiers in adhesive formulations as well as to an adhesive tape comprising these resins.