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1First Base
2Second Base
3Third Base
4Home Base
5Why are some people’s definitions of bases different?
6Importance of Consent
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Co-authored byHannah MaddenReviewed byJohn Keegan
Last Updated: February 20, 2024Fact Checked
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Has anyone ever asked you which “base” you got to with a date? While you probably assumed they weren’t talking about baseball, figuring out exactly what each base means might not be the most intuitive process in the world. Fortunately, you’re not alone—plenty of people want to know what the bases are in dating! That’s why we’ve written this article to define each base once and for all.
Things You Should Know
- First base is kissing and making out, and second base is touching above the waist.
- Third base is stimulating anywhere below the waist, and fourth base, or home base, is having sexual intercourse.
- You may hear different definitions of each base depending on who you talk to. Since each base is made up, everyone has slightly different interpretations.
- Always ask your date for consent before, during, and after any sexual activity.
Section 1 of 6:
First Base
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Section 2 of 6:
Second Base
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Second base is any touching or petting above the waist. Second base is where things get a little handsy: you or your date might feel each other up above the waist, including touching the chest, breasts, or nipples.[2] Definitions vary slightly on whether this is over the shirt or under the shirt, but the general idea is the same.
Section 3 of 6:
Third Base
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Section 4 of 6:
Home Base
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Section 5 of 6:
Why are some people’s definitions of bases different?
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People change the definitions based on what they’ve heard in the past. Since the “bases” are made up, you might hear a few different versions of each base and what they mean. The bases also might vary depending on how old you are, too.[5] It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be focused on which “base” you can get to with your date—instead, pay attention to how much fun you’re having and the experience as a whole.
- Some people have different definitions of each base, and that’s okay.
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Importance of Consent
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Always give and get consent before any sexual act. It doesn’t matter which base you’re going for: before you do anything, check in with your date to see how they’re feeling and if they want to continue. Take your own feelings into account, and feel free to ask your date to stop or slow down if you’re feeling uncomfortable.[6]
- It can feel a little awkward to pause in the middle of things and ask how your date is doing. Try asking something like, “Does that feel good?” or, “Do you want to keep going?” for a casual way to check in.
- Or, if you’re the one who wants to take a breather, try something like, “Could we pause for a second?” or, “Just give me one second to catch my breath.”
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Are the bases different for gay or lesbian couples?
Maddie
Community Answer
Nope! The bases in a relationship are the same in gay/lesbian relationships as they are in straight relationships.
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What is sexual intercourse?
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The most common form of sexual intercourse consists of penetration of a vagin* by an erect penis.
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Tips
Make sure you’re ready to have sex before going all the way. If you feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable or rushed, feel free to say no and back off a bit.
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Remember to enjoy the journey rather than the destination! Each base has its own joys. Be present every step of the way and allow the chemistry between the two of you to unfold naturally. Sex and intimacy is not a game of who finishes first or how fast you can get to "home base"—it's about connecting with yourself, the moment, and another person all at once.
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About This Article
Reviewed by:
John Keegan
Dating Coach
This article was reviewed by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 897,308 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: February 20, 2024
Views:897,308
Categories: Relationships
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