Dating and hookup slang changes quickly, and the same word can be friendly in one chat and rude in another. This A to Z gives the plain meaning of the terms people search for most, links to a full guide where there is one, and says where a term overlaps with escorting.
Where escorting fits
None of these terms describes a paid booking. Escorting is the commercial arrangement: the time, the fee and what is included are agreed beforehand, and nothing is owed afterwards. Most of the slang below describes unpaid arrangements between people who know each other, or are getting to know each other. How booking works and what escorts charge cover the paid side, and the services index explains the terms that appear in escort adverts.
A to Z
Benching
Keeping someone available as a backup while you pursue other people, without telling them. It is the opposite of a clear agreement.
Body count
The number of people someone has had sex with. Asking is usually intrusive, and the number says little about a person.
Booty call
A late message to someone you already have sex with, with no date or relationship attached. See ONS, booty call and fling.
Breadcrumbing
Sending just enough attention, such as messages and likes, to keep someone interested without any intention of committing.
Casual dating
Seeing people without commitment. Sex may or may not be part of it.
Cougar
An older woman who dates or pursues younger men. See cougar meaning.
Cuckold and hotwife
A cuckold is a man whose partner has sex with others with his knowledge and consent, and a hotwife is the partner in that role. See cuckold and hotwife.
DILF
An attractive father, the male version of MILF.
Dogging
Sex in a public or semi public place where others may watch, which can break several laws. See dogging meaning.
DTF
Dating app shorthand meaning someone is open to casual sex. See DTF meaning.
Exhibitionist
Someone who enjoys being watched or exposing themselves, which is lawful only when those watching have agreed. See voyeurism and exhibitionism.
Fling
A short, casual affair, usually with an understanding that it will end. See ONS, booty call and fling.
FWB
Friends with benefits: friends who also have sex, without a relationship. See FWB meaning.
Ghosting
Ending contact without explanation by simply stopping replying. It is widely seen as unkind, although it can be the safest option when someone is threatening or will not take no for an answer.
Hookup
The broadest word: anything from kissing to sex between people who are not in a relationship. See ONS, booty call and fling.
Kink and vanilla
Kink is any sexual interest outside the conventional. Vanilla is the word kinky people use for conventional sex. See kink meaning.
Love bombing
Overwhelming attention and affection at the start of a relationship, used to win trust quickly. It can be a warning sign of controlling behaviour.
MILF
Slang for an attractive mother. See MILF meaning.
Monogamish
A couple who are mostly exclusive and agree some exceptions.
Netflix and chill
An invitation to someone’s home to watch something. It is often a way of suggesting sex without saying so, and sometimes it just means a night in, so check.
NSA
No strings attached: sex or dating with no commitment. See NSA meaning.
ONS
One night stand: a single encounter between people who do not expect to meet again. See ONS, booty call and fling.
Open relationship
A couple who agree that one or both may have sex with other people. See polyamory and open relationships.
Orbiting
Ending contact but carrying on watching or liking someone’s social media posts.
Polyamory
More than one loving relationship at once, with everyone agreeing. See polyamory meaning.
Sapiosexual
Someone who finds intelligence the most attractive quality in a partner.
Situationship
A connection with no agreed label, more than friends and less than a couple. See situationship meaning.
Sugar daddy, sugar baby and sugar mummy
An arrangement in which an older, wealthier person gives money or gifts to a younger one in return for company. See sugar daddy meaning and sugar daddy websites.
Swinger
A person in a relationship who has sex with others, usually with their partner present or aware. See swinger meaning.
Throuple
A romantic relationship of three people. See polyamory and open relationships.
Toyboy
The British word for a woman’s much younger male partner. See cougar meaning.
Unicorn
A person, usually a bisexual woman, who joins an established couple. The word is controversial because it can treat the third person as an extra and not an equal.
Voyeur
Someone who gets sexual pleasure from watching others, which is lawful only with consent. See voyeurism and the law.
Zombieing
Reappearing after ghosting someone, as if nothing had happened.