Hooking up has become a common way for young people to explore their sexuality and intimacy in a casual context. While the specific acts involved vary between partners, there is a generally understood progression of escalating intimacy known as the “bases.” Understanding this framework provides insight into hookup culture and partner expectations.
What are the bases in a hookup?
The bases are a system that categorizes levels of physical intimacy during a casual sexual encounter or hookup. The levels are:
- First base – Making out, kissing, hugging, touching above clothes
- Second base – Touching under clothes, fondling, handjobs, fingering
- Third base – Oral sex
- Home run – Vaginal or anal penetration, intercourse
The bases start at first and move up sequentially through home run, which is seen as the most intimate act. However, partners may stop at any base along the way and not necessarily escalate through all levels during a hookup.
Why are there bases?
The bases framework establishes a common understanding of the levels of intimacy so partners can navigate mutual consent and comfort levels. Bases create a kind of “shorthand” about how far individuals want to go without having to explicitly discuss intimate details openly. The system facilitates communication, provides guidance on the progression of intimacy, and allows either partner to pump the brakes or withdraw consent at any time.
What are the specifics of each base?
First Base
First base involves kissing, hugging, touching above clothing and making out. This may include:
- Passionate kissing with tongues (i.e. French kissing)
- Pecks on the lips or cheeks
- Embracing or cuddling
- Touching above the neck, arms, chest or thighs above clothing
First base represents the starting point for intimacy and physical connection. Partners assess initial chemistry and attraction through kissing and touching.
Second Base
Second base introduces more overtly sexual intimacy, though still above the waist. This may involve:
- Touching bare chests, breasts, stomachs or buttocks
- Fondling or caressing the genitals above or inside underwear
- Manual stimulation of the genitals (i.e. handjobs, fingering)
Second base represents increased passion and vulnerability. Testing of boundaries often occurs as partners gauge comfort with intimate touching.
Third Base
Third base is oral sex. This includes:
- Performing oral sex on the penis (fellatio), vulva (cunnilingus) or anus (anilingus)
- Receiving oral stimulation
Oral sex involves focus and devotion to a partner’s pleasure. It is seen as intimate but less committed than intercourse.
Home Run
Scoring a home run is sexual intercourse, including:
- Vaginal penetration and intercourse
- Anal penetration and intercourse
Home run represents the peak of sexual intimacy and requires significant comfort between partners. It is sometimes seen as the goal or desired outcome of a hookup.
Do people follow the bases sequentially?
Not necessarily. While the bases framework provides guidance on levels of escalating intimacy, partners may skip bases depending on comfort and interest. There are no “rules” dictating a linear sequence. However, first base generally comes first as an initial gateway into physical intimacy.
Some variations in base order could include:
- Jumping right to oral or manual stimulation before making out
- Penetration before oral or manual stimulation
- Non-escalation, staying at one base the entire encounter
Partners discuss interests and negotiate the intimate activities. Consent can be withdrawn or given at any point.
Does going to higher bases mean a more successful hookup?
Not necessarily. Bases should not be seen as a measure of how far or successfully someone gets in a hookup. Rather, partners move at the pace of mutual interest and comfort. A hookup centered only around first base can be as enjoyable and successful as one that goes all the way to home run.
There is no need to feel pressured into activities beyond one’s boundaries. Effective communication and respect between partners are more important than escalating bases.
Do women and men view the bases differently?
Historically, the bases framework has been viewed through a male perspective of sexual conquest – “scoring” or “hitting a home run.” However, modern understandings recognize that all genders and sexual orientations use the bases for guidance on intimacy and consent.
While gender stereotypes around sex persist, many women and LGBTQ people today view the bases on their own terms within an ethic of mutual empowerment. The bases allow individuals of all identities to explore intimacy at their own pace.
How can partners discuss and negotiate the bases?
Open, honest communication is key to navigating the bases together. Partners should talk about the following:
- Boundaries and comfort levels – Discuss any intimate acts that are on or off limits
- Pace – Talk about going slow or fast into greater intimacy
- Protection – Agree on safer sex practices like condoms or dental dams
- Consent – Check in frequently and respect when someone says no
- Desires – Share turn-ons and interests to align on mutual satisfaction
With proactive communication, partners can enjoy the excitement of escalating intimacy while ensuring comfort, safety and fulfilling exploration within each base.
Does getting to higher bases imply a future relationship?
Not necessarily. The ethic of hookup culture is that sexual activity itself does not compel emotional commitment. While intimacy can promote bonding, partners should not assume escalating bases equate to an exclusive relationship.
That said, if continuing physical intimacy leads both people to develop mutual romantic feelings, a relationship may organically form over time. Open communication about the meaning behind shared intimacy, attachment and relationship status is important.
Can you go back to lower bases during a hookup?
Absolutely. At any point during a sexual encounter, either partner can withdraw consent to escalate intimacy and return to a lower base. Effective hookup communication involves checking in frequently on boundaries and comfort levels.
Reasons to revert to a lower base may include:
- Nervousness or uncertainty about taking the next step
- Physical discomfort with certain acts
- Emotional intensity or vulnerability
- Wanting to prolong pleasure and tease before progressing
Moving between bases fluidly allows partners to prioritize mutual comfort, trust and satisfaction above all else.
Conclusion
The bases provide guidance, not strict rules, for intimacy and consent within modern hookup culture. Partners should communicate desires openly while ensuring mutual empowerment, caring and autonomy at every stage. By embracing the bases on their own terms, individuals can safely navigate the excitement of physical escalation in their hookups.