Petting - Caressing

Petting refers to sexual touching and intimate affection without intercourse. This can include caressing, kissing, mutual exploration of the body, and stimulation of erogenous zones. Depending on the context, petting may be seen as foreplay, but it can also be a sexual activity in its own right.

Consent, communication, and respect for personal boundaries are important. Petting can look very different from one situation to another and does not necessarily have to lead to more advanced sexual acts. Hygiene, consideration, and protection against sexually transmitted infections should also be taken into account, especially with close physical contact or when moving between different practices.