Most people think one-night stands are okay if you are single, careful, don't have unrealistic expectations, and use a condom . One night stands don't always have to involve sexual intercourse, but may often happen at parties, or when people have been drinking .
Guys and women may see one night stands differently, with men using them for sex , whilst women may want a relationship. Some guys believe one-night stands might lead to a relationship, but they're not always certain at the time .
There's also a double standard that exists, so girls who have many partners are called names like 'slut' or 'slapper', particularly by other women , whereas men are considered to be 'studs' .
Many women are also worried about the risks of having a one night stand (including rape or being forced to do things you don't want to) and most would worry about going home with a total stranger .
Most people still expect girls to have fewer partners than men, and many girls find it hard to find a boyfriend if they have a 'reputation' . Some said it is still not okay for girls to show a 'healthy sexual appetite'.
Others were aware that they were more at risk of catching an infection from a casual sexual partner who is sleeping around. They also knew that condoms are not 100% safe, they split, or sometimes come off (especially if they are not used properly).
Some people had felt that they were being used in casual relationships. One woman said that as she has got older she has become more assertive and would no longer have sex just because someone finds her attractive.
Most people said they wanted a longstanding relationship rather than 'a string of' one-night stands, which a couple agreed are not as satisfying as relationships . Often people learn what they think about one night stands after they've had one .
Last reviewed April 2010.
Last updated April 2010.