Foreplay

Foreplay is sexual activity before or alongside intercourse that can build arousal, intimacy, and readiness. It can include touch, kissing, conversation, and other mutually desired forms of sexual expression.

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Kissing: Kissing is pressing or touching lips against another person or object, often as an expression of affection or desire. It can communicate desire and build intimacy before or during sexual activity.
Sexual consent: Sexual consent is a freely given, informed, specific, and reversible agreement to participate in sexual activity. Every form of foreplay requires ongoing agreement, including when activities change.
Sexual intercourse: Sexual intercourse is sexual activity involving penetration, commonly vaginal, anal, or oral. Foreplay may precede or accompany intercourse, but the two are not interchangeable.
Intimacy: Intimacy is a quality of closeness involving emotional, physical, or interpersonal connection. Foreplay can express or foster closeness beyond its effects on sexual arousal.
Sensate focus: Sensate focus is a set of structured touch exercises used to develop awareness, comfort, and communication around physical sensation. Its gradual, non-demanding touch can shift attention from performance toward shared sensation.
Sexual communication: Sexual communication is the exchange of information, preferences, boundaries, and feelings related to sexual activity. Clear communication helps partners discover what kinds of touch are welcome.
Asexuality: Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by experiencing little or no sexual attraction. Asexual people may enjoy intimacy or foreplay, but attraction and interest vary individually.
Orgasm: Orgasm is a peak of sexual pleasure often accompanied by rhythmic muscular contractions and changes in bodily sensation. Some people reach orgasm through foreplay without intercourse.
Erotic massage: Erotic massage is sensual touch intended to create pleasure or arousal, usually without requiring intercourse. It offers a way to explore touch and arousal at a chosen pace.
Sexual arousal: Sexual arousal is a state of psychological and bodily response to sexual stimuli or interest. Foreplay often aims to develop arousal, though arousal varies and need not be its goal.