We analyze a new type of response function which portrays the properties of a system perturbed by an external field in terms of the perturbed two-point correlations of density fluctuations rather than in terms of perturbed averages of physical quantities. This "response function of the second kind" satisfies both fluctuation-dissipation-like theorems, relating it to three-point equilibrium functions, and hierarchical relationship linking it to conventional quadratic (rather than linear) response functions. In the equal-time limit, when the two density fluctuations are observed at the same time, the response function of the second kind is intimately connected to the two-particle correlation function of kinetic theory. This linkage opens an avenue for developing novel approximation techniques for correlated many-body systems.