What a booty call is
A booty call is a call or message, usually late at night, inviting someone over for sex with no date or plans attached. The term became popular in the 1990s through hip-hop and films.
Today it mostly happens by text or dating app. The person you call is sometimes called your booty call too.
It is a casual arrangement, and it works best when both people know and want exactly that.
Booty call vs friends with benefits
Friends with benefits are friends who also have sex, and usually spend time together in other ways. A booty call is purely about meeting for sex, often without much else.
A situationship is less clear and usually involves feelings; see our guide What is a situationship?.
None is better or worse: what matters is that both people agree what it is.
The unwritten rules
Be honest: do not pretend it is more than it is, or let someone believe it might become a relationship if it will not.
Respect a no, or no reply. A booty call is an invitation, not an expectation, and it is fine for either person to say not tonight.
Use protection and get tested regularly, especially if either of you has other partners. Our guides to condoms and STI testing cover the basics.
Staying safe and respectful
If you are meeting someone new from an app, tell a friend where you are going and meet somewhere public first if possible.
If feelings develop on either side, talk about it rather than letting it fester.
And as always, consent applies every time, not just the first time; see our guide to consent and boundaries.
Your questions, answered
What does booty call mean?
A last-minute call or message inviting someone over for casual sex.
Is a booty call the same as friends with benefits?
Not quite: friends with benefits are friends too, while a booty call is usually just about sex.
Can a booty call turn into a relationship?
Sometimes, but only if both people want it and talk about it.
