Hate, the general term, implies extreme aversion especially as coupled with enmity or malice.
Detest connotes violent or intense antipathy or dislike but usually lacks the active hostility and malevolence associated with hate.
Abhor suggests profound, shuddering repugnance.
Abominate suggests strong detestation (as of something ill-omened or shameful).
Loathe implies utter disgust or intolerance. The same distinctions in implications and connotations are evident in the derivative nouns hate, hatred ((for a distinction between these terms see HATE 2 )), detestation, abhorrence, abomination, loathing .