Hookup - meaning and definition
Alsohook-uphook uphooking upcasual hookup
Definition
A casual sexual encounter, or the act of meeting up for one. What "hooking up" covers can range from kissing to sex depending on who is speaking.
At a glance
- Deliberately vague: it can mean anything from kissing to sex.
- Apps built around casual meetings are often called hookup apps.
- Because the meaning varies, it helps to clarify what each person wants.
- Safer sex, meeting in public first and telling a friend are sensible habits.
In detail
"Hookup" is deliberately vague, which is part of why people use it. For some it means sex; for others it can mean making out. Apps built around casual meetings are sometimes called hookup apps.
Because the word is ambiguous, it is worth clarifying what each person actually wants. Safer sex, meeting in a public place first and letting a friend know your plans are sensible habits.
In a sentence
- Not looking for hookups, more interested in actually getting to know someone.
- When she said they hooked up, I wasn't sure if she meant they kissed or more.
Not to be confused with
- Hookup culture
Hookup culture is the wider social pattern studied by researchers, not a single encounter.
Common questions
What does 'hooking up' actually mean?
It depends on who is talking. For some people it means sex; for others it means kissing or making out. The vagueness is part of its appeal, but it can lead to misunderstandings, so asking is fine.
What is the difference between a hookup and hookup culture?
A hookup is a single casual encounter. Hookup culture is the wider social pattern in which casual encounters are common and accepted, which researchers study in groups such as university students.