  Mixing between bosons that transform differently under the standard model
gauge group, but identically under its unbroken subgroup, can induce
interactions that violate the total lepton number. We discuss four-fermion
operators that mediate lepton number violating neutrino interactions both in a
model-independent framework and within supersymmetry (SUSY) without R-parity.
The effective couplings of such operators are constrained by: i) the upper
bounds on the relevant elementary couplings between the bosons and the
fermions, ii) by the limit on universality violation in pion decays, iii) by
the data on neutrinoless double beta decay and, iv) by loop-induced neutrino
masses. We find that the present bounds imply that lepton number violating
neutrino interactions are not relevant for the solar and atmospheric neutrino
problems. Within SUSY without R-parity also the LSND anomaly cannot be
explained by such interactions, but one cannot rule out an effect
model-independently. Possible consequences for future terrestrial neutrino
oscillation experiments and for neutrinos from a supernova are discussed.
