Petting: Types, Benefits, and Tips

People are often confused about the meaning of sex and other forms of sexual activity. Vaginal sex is the penetration of the penis into the vagina, anal sex is the insertion of the penis into the anus, and oral sex is the insertion of the penis into the mouth of your sexual partner. 

What Does Petting Mean?

However, there are more forms of sexual activity than just sex. The most frequent ones are masturbation and petting.

Petting involves erotic physical contact, which includes touching and caressing with the hands “below the waist” without touching the genitals. Kissing and cuddling are combined under the term “necking”.

Petting is a form of sexuality that successfully combines safety and pleasure for both partners. Petting can be used to explore erogenous zones and sexual reactions (for both you and your partner) and develop a “repertoire” of erotic activities that are pleasurable and do not involve the risk of pregnancy or STDs.

If, for some reason, you are sure yet which sexual activity you enjoy the most, petting can help you to understand your desires and set boundaries. It also improves communication with your partner, which is one of the main problems in bed, regardless of age.

Types of Petting

Petting can be superficial or deep. Deep petting involves the use of sex toys.

Petting is not only a way of getting sexual satisfaction, but it also plays an important role in intimate relationships. For example, its various elements can vary foreplay and improve the mood for sex.

Petting is popular, especially among young people, because it can broaden the range of sexual interactions and technically can maintain one's virginity. 

Here are the possible options for petting:

• Stroking the back, buttocks, arms, and hips.

• Spanking.

• Light tickling of nipples, hips, and hands.

• Gentle biting in different body parts.

• Passionate kissing and hugging.

• Soft touching of erogenous zones.

• Kissing of breasts, ears, and neck.

• Erotic massage.

Don't Forget the Simple Rules for Good Petting

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after petting.

• Use protective supplies during genital contact — condoms, latex wipes, or sliced condoms.

• Apply lubricant to avoid chafing and microcracks.

Sources:

What is sexual health? (https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/sexual-health/). Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.

Safer Sex (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/safer-sex). Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.

The Role of Non-penetrative Partnered Sex Activities (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10903707/), Int J Sex Health. 2023; 35(1): 30–40. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.

How to Prevent STIs (https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html), April 9, 2024. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.