Sugar dating has become a phenomenon in recent years, with the online world helping to drive the boom of this form of popular modern dating.
Through specific and targeted sites, many individuals welcome the opportunity to make money or have a mutually beneficial relationship, through sugar dating.
So, what actually is sugar dating? And what does it mean to be what is now known as a ‘sugar baby’?
- What is sugar dating?
- Becoming a sugar baby
- Finding sugar daddies and sugar mummies
- Is sugar dating safe?
- Differences between sugar dating and sex workers
- Sugar dating and sex work similarities
- Conclusion
If the concept behind sugar dating is the exchange of consumer goods for companionship how does this type of relationship differ from that of a sex worker and sex work in general?
This article takes an in-depth look.
What is sugar dating?
Sugar dating refers to an arrangement between a young person otherwise known as a sugar baby, and their older counterpart – also known as a sugar daddy (for a man) or sugar mummy (for a woman).
Thus, the above is typically an agreement between a young woman/man and an older man/woman. This arrangement is mutually beneficial, with both parties agreeing to the rules before anything occurs.
The sugar baby will usually receive cash, gifts or other financial and material benefits in exchange for company.
More often than not, this will usually involve some sort of intimacy.
In return, the sugar daddy or mummy themselves get lavish attention from the sugar baby, while receiving intimacy, companionship and in most cases, sex.
Either way, the agreement is a relationship of some kind, but one that is at the discretion of both parties.
Despite common belief, not every sugar baby works solely for cash. Likewise, not every sugar daddy or sugar mummy is willing to pay cash.
Importantly, not all relationships involve sex. In some cases, there are other attractive propositions, which exist outside of a financial setup for both parties.
Becoming a sugar baby
Although the average age of a sugar baby differs, it was generally considered to be around 25 years old.
However, in recent years, evidence has seen the rise of cash strapped students take on this role as a way to earn extra money.
Figures suggest that the number of UK university students becoming sugar babies is steadily rising each year.
Therefore, sugar babies tend to range from 18 years of age up to around their early thirties.
For many, becoming a sugar baby is a simple process. It often involves finding reputable websites and apps that act as agencies to make these arrangements from.
The concept of becoming a sugar baby is to offer those older men or women something worth paying for.
This can mean anything from attention and companionship or the mere satisfaction of being able to pay for clothing, jewellery, or even rent.
This means when a new sugar baby makes a profile, they state precisely what potential sugar daddies or sugar mummies can expect to receive.
Finding sugar daddies and sugar mummies
When it comes to finding sugar daddies and mummies, the most effective way is online.
Though some prefer to do this without using apps or specialised sites, it’s not always the easiest or indeed safest way to meet someone.
The websites Seeking Arrangement and My Sugar Daddy are highly popular examples and work like typical dating platforms.
Young members looking to become a sugar baby can set up their profile and upload photos of themselves to their account.
Then, after adding a few details of what they’re looking for from a sugar daddy or mummy, and what they’re prepared to offer, their profile is available for browsing.
Alternatively, sugar babies can look through the sites they’re registered on and search for what they consider a good match. Sugar daddies and mummies can do the same.
Is sugar dating safe?
Just as precautions are necessary on standard dating sites, so too should care be taken on all sugar dating platforms.
The same rules always apply here for both sugar babies and indeed their companions.
Though sugar dating does not tend to gain as much negative press regarding safety, a good platform should offer advice and tips on how to stay safe when making arrangements with potential matches.
This can mean anything from not revealing too much personal information on the site until you’re established, to making sure your initial meetings are conducted in public places.
Some sugar babies say they will never offer their real name online and most certainly not their home address.
Because the nature of sugar dating is different from that of dating on Tinder, for example, or using an escort service, the lines are often not as clear and defined as to what is considered standard and acceptable here.
Differences between sugar babies and sex workers
Although often classed as sex work, sugar dating is in fact different.
Though there may initially seem like there are some similarities, sugar babies won’t offer the same services as sex workers – and vice versa.
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Relationship vs transaction
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Sugar dating is seen as a convenient relationship, whereas sex workers refer to their agreements as transactions. Some sex workers may have certain ongoing clients that view their arrangement as a girlfriend/boyfriend experience, but this is not what a professional sex worker will typically promote, and instead will usually see the exchange as simply one of business. Sex work also involves specific boundaries, with the client booking pre-agreed services provided by the sex worker prior to their meeting.
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Job vs lifestyle
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Sugar babies consider what they do as a lifestyle choice, particularly as they can usually make a lot of money in a short space of time, going on very glamorous dates in some cases. Sex workers though tend to view their work as a job that is necessary to pay the bills, and that’s it. This is in stark contrast to those sugar babies who receive regular allowances to do what they please.
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Long term vs short term
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Sugar dating will often be advertised as a long-term stable solution. Therefore, the agreement is usually over a longer period for both to get to know one another. Sex work is on a short-term basis per job and workers here will not usually spend lengthy amounts of time with one specific client.
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Sex vs companionship
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Though not every sex or escort worker will offer sex, and some clients of escorts don’t seek sex, for most sex workers it is still one of the main services required of them. With sugar dating, the act of sex is entirely dependent on both the sugar baby and their respective sugar mummy or daddy. Though it isn’t definite, it can be at the discretion of both parties.
Sugar dating and sex work similarities
As mentioned above, sugar dating and sex work are different, but ultimately, for both, the main concept of their role is to provide companionship or a form of emotional connection to their counterpart.
In return, they expect to be subsidised for this by means that suits both parties.
Conclusion
Sugar dating is an ideal way for adults to develop honest arrangements that work to fulfil the needs of both people involved, whether for financial satisfaction or pleasurable companionship.
In a world where capitalism is the driving force behind most transactions, this type of transactional intimacy is likely to continue to thrive.
Are you a sugar baby, daddy or mummy? If so, let us know in the comments below.
