Why listings use so much shorthand
Escort profiles are short, and the people who write them want to say a lot in a small space. Over the years a set of abbreviations has grown up that regulars understand at a glance and newcomers find baffling. You'll see them on agency websites, on escort directories and on independent profiles alike.
One thing worth holding on to before we start: a term on a listing is a description, not a promise or a menu. What happens when two adults meet is agreed between them, directly, and either of them can change their mind at any point. Listings vary a great deal too, so the same abbreviation can mean slightly different things from one profile to the next.
Booking terms: incall, outcall, duo and overnight
Incall means you visit the escort at their place. Outcall means they come to you, usually at home or a hotel. We cover both in more detail in our guide to incall and outcall.
Duo means a booking with two escorts at once, usually two people who know each other and like working together. An overnight is a long booking that runs through the night, normally for a set number of hours, with the understanding that some of that time is for sleep. A dinner date is a social booking that starts with a meal out, and a travel companion or weekend booking is a longer arrangement for a trip away. Longer bookings usually have their own rates, so talk them through properly beforehand.
You may also see 'social' or 'companionship only'. That means exactly what it says: someone to share a meal, an event or an evening's conversation with, and nothing more.
What GFE means
GFE stands for girlfriend experience. It describes a style of meeting rather than any one thing: relaxed, affectionate and unhurried, a bit like spending time with a partner. Think conversation, a drink, a laugh and a warmer, more personal feel than a brisk appointment.
Because it's about mood, GFE means slightly different things to different people. Some escorts use it to show they enjoy longer, more social bookings. Others simply mean they're friendly, easy company. If it matters to you, ask politely what they mean by it and accept whatever answer you get. On listings for male escorts you may see BFE, the boyfriend experience, which carries the same idea.
What PSE means
PSE stands for porn star experience. It sits at the other end of the scale from GFE: a more performative, adventurous style rather than a cosy, romantic one. It's a label some escorts use to describe their personality and energy.
Like every term here, it doesn't commit anyone to anything. Plenty of escorts who use the label still have firm limits, and a good meeting always starts with a calm, respectful conversation about what you're both comfortable with.
What OWO means
OWO is short for 'oral without', meaning oral contact without a condom. You'll also see the word 'covered', which means the opposite: with protection. These abbreviations exist because listings tend to be frank about health and safety preferences, and that frankness helps everyone know where they stand.
It's worth being clear about the health side. Sexually transmitted infections can be passed on through oral contact, and many escorts choose not to offer anything unprotected for exactly that reason. Never pressure anyone to change their own rules, and never offer extra money to try. Regular check-ups are sensible for anyone who is sexually active, and NHS sexual health clinics are free and confidential.
Reading a listing sensibly
Treat abbreviations as a starting point, nothing more. The things that really tell you about a listing are clear rates, polite communication and recent, honest reviews. Our guide to contacting and booking covers what to say when you get in touch, and it's worth knowing that many escorts won't discuss specifics in writing at all.
Be wary of any profile that promises everything, with no limits, at a bargain price. That's often the sign of a fake profile or a scam, and our guide to spotting fake profiles explains what to look for. Everyone you meet should be an adult, working by their own choice and comfortable saying no.
Your questions, answered
What does OWO mean?
OWO stands for 'oral without', shorthand for oral contact without a condom. On a listing it describes a preference, not a guarantee, and many escorts don't offer it.
What does GFE mean?
GFE means girlfriend experience: a relaxed, affectionate and sociable style of meeting that feels more like time with a partner than a quick appointment.
What is the difference between GFE and PSE?
GFE describes a warm, romantic, unhurried style. PSE, or porn star experience, describes a more performative and adventurous one. Both are styles, and neither commits anyone to anything.
Can I ask an escort what their abbreviations mean?
Yes, politely. Ask when you first get in touch and accept the answer you're given. If someone prefers not to discuss details in writing, respect that too.