Dear sunshine42,

Petting refers to touching or rubbing a partner in a sexual way. It's a form of outercourse.

Some people define outercourse as anything but vaginal intercourse. Others say it's sex play without any kind of penetration — vaginal, oral, or anal. In addition to petting, some other examples of outercourse include masturbation, deep kissing, and body rubbing.

Petting is considered a safer sex activity because it is unlikely to pass an infection and cannot cause pregnancy, unless ejaculate or pre-ejaculate gets into the vagina or on the vulva.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.