Expanded Key Terms

The surroundings and background situational details provide additional awareness of when, how, and why something is happening.

Context is the surrounding and background information that provides additional awareness of when, how, and why something is happening. Context is important because it allows one to understand actions in more clear detail for not simply what the action is but also when, where, how, and why the action occurs.

A formal structure of courtship in which individuals spend time together to better understand if they desire a long-term relationship.

Dating is not a requirement in sexual behavior and many individuals do not decide to date. Dating, however, can be a form of bonding between two individuals and can last a short period of time or many years, even a lifetime.

Playful interactions with another person in an attempt to court them.

Flirtation or flirting involves playful interactions with another person in an attempt to court them into a potential relationship. Flirtation can take many forms but is often seen as subtle compliments or other actions toward a person to make them feel seen and interested in another individual. Flirtation is often socially expected to happen among heteronormative couples, and flirtation among queer individuals can be seen as taboo due to heterosexism in society.

Discrimination or prejudice against gay people on the assumption that heterosexuality is the normal sexual orientation.

Heterosexism is discrimination or prejudice against any gay person. On the assumption that homosexuality is not normal, and heterosexuality is the norm for sexual orientations. Heterosexism is bias and prejudice against homosexuals and other queer people put into action. Heterosexism still exists in society today although it is being combatted, it is actively through laws and social norms being taught to individuals.

The many advantages that heterosexuals enjoy simply for their sexual orientation not being LGBTQ+.

Heterosexual privilege is the privilege heterosexual individuals and society experience due to their sexual orientation. Aligning with what is considered a norm. Heterosexual privilege is often not seen in society or publicity is what is experienced by heterosexual, individuals and aspects, such as the ability to express emotion in public freely, without criticism, the ability to be unquestioned about one’s success as a parent or success, and having a family, and more.

Characteristic of being sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to one’s own sex or gender.

Homosexuality is the characteristic of being sexually or romantically attracted to other people of the same gender. Homosexuality is a normal form of sexual orientation in society. Many advances in the flaws and social norms being taught are being made to create a more inclusive environment for people of all sexual orientations in all aspects of life.

A casual sexual encounter without emotional or romantic expectations.

Hookup culture is the term used to define the casual sex that many people in society today have without an emotional or romantic expectation coming out of it. Hookup culture is prominent among individuals in their young 20s and especially in areas such as college campuses. Hookup culture is a definitive shift in sexual behavior from past norms where relationships and long-term romantic expectations were expected from sexual encounters.

The process of transferring norms and values to future generations.

Socialization is key to stating what behaviors are normal and acceptable in society and what behaviors are not acceptable. Socialization in the context of sexual behavior is important because socialization toward an inclusive environment for all sexual identities and orientations is key to ensuring that society grows in a way that is beneficial for all members. Progressing forward in a society that discriminates will only create setbacks and further divides between individuals and groups.

How individual people choose to express their sexuality through action.

The term sexual behavior refers to how individual people express their sexuality through actions with other people. Sexual behavior is not definitive to one specific act and can run the gamut across a variety of different expressions among different people. Sexual behavior can be conducted in a safe and socially acceptable way.

A person’s preference for sexual relationships with individuals of the other sex, same sex, both sexes, or neither sex. 

Sexual orientation defines a person’s orientation toward their preference in a sexual relationship. Sexual orientation runs across a spectrum and is not definitive to one specific orientation. Sexual orientations of all kinds are considered normal, although some people around the globe look at sexual orientation from a heteronormative viewpoint and exclude all other sexual orientations that do not meet this viewpoint. Some common examples of modern sexual orientations include gay, bisexual, lesbian, asexual, and more.