Sex
Sex most commonly refers to sexual activity between people, including sexual intercourse and other forms of intimate sexual contact. The word can also refer to biological sex, while sexuality describes a much wider range of sexual attraction, identity, interests and behavior.
Sex can take place between people in relationships, during casual sex and one-night stands, or as part of commercial sexual services involving sex workers, escorts and prostitution. What people consider sex can differ depending on culture, sexuality and personal experience.
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Sexual Activity
Sexual activity covers more than sexual intercourse. People use the word "sex" for many different forms of intimate sexual contact.
Sexual behavior and preferences vary considerably between people. Some people have sex mainly within long-term relationships, while others also have casual sex, one-night stands or non-monogamous relationships.
See sex positions and Sexual behavior for related information.
Sexual Orientation and Sexuality
Sex is closely connected with sexuality and sexual orientation, although sexual behavior does not always correspond exactly with a person's identity.
Common sexual orientations and identities include heterosexuality, gay, lesbian and bisexuality. Sexual and gender terminology has also changed considerably between countries, cultures and generations.
See Sex vocabulary & Abbreviations and Humorous sexual terms for terminology used throughout WikiSexGuide.
Casual Sex and Hookups
Casual sex is sex outside a committed relationship. It can include one-night stands, hookups, friends-with-benefits arrangements and other encounters where the people involved are not necessarily romantic partners.
Dating websites and dating apps have made it much easier for people to meet potential partners. Different apps dominate in different countries and among different communities.
Sex and Relationships
Sex can be part of many different types of relationships.
Besides traditional monogamous relationships, people may practice non-monogamy, polyamory or an open relationship. Other relationships may be mainly sexual rather than romantic.
Communication and consent are important regardless of the type of relationship.
Commercial Sex
Sex can also be exchanged for money or other compensation. This is generally known as prostitution or sex work.
People selling sexual services include sex workers, prostitutes, escorts, call girls and male escorts. The way commercial sex operates varies enormously around the world.
Some prostitutes work independently, while others work through an escort agency, brothel, red-light district, massage parlor or other venue. Online advertising and apps used by escorts and sex workers have also become important parts of the modern sex industry.
For costs around the world see Global prostitution prices. For the different types of people working in the business see Prostitute types.
Sex Around the World
Attitudes towards sex vary enormously between countries.
Some societies are relatively open about sexuality, dating and casual sex, while others have strong social or legal restrictions. Laws covering prostitution, same-sex relationships, pornography and the age of consent also differ between countries.
WikiSexGuide's regional guides cover:
Safe Sex
Safe sex means reducing the risks associated with sexual activity, particularly sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy.
Condoms can substantially reduce the transmission risk of many sexually transmitted infections when used correctly. Testing, communication between partners and understanding sexual-health risks are also important.
See Safe sex, STD and HIV/AIDS.
Consent
Consent means that everyone involved freely agrees to the sexual activity.
Consent should not be assumed simply because somebody agreed to meet, went on a date, entered a hotel room or had sex with the same person previously. A person can also change their mind.
Consent is relevant to casual hookups, relationships and commercial sex alike.
Sex Vocabulary
Sex has an enormous vocabulary, ranging from medical terminology to dating slang and expressions used within particular sexual communities.
The meaning of some words also changes between countries. Travelers may encounter completely different slang for dating, prostitutes, sexual orientation and nightlife.
See Sex vocabulary & Abbreviations, Sex topics & Phrasebooks and Humorous sexual terms.
See Also
- North America | South America | Europe | Africa | Asia | Oceania
