Casual hookups can be awesome when both people know what's up. But they can also get messy real quick if you don't follow some basic etiquette. Here's how to keep things fun without the drama.
Rule number one: be clear about what you want. If you're just looking for a hookup, don't pretend you want something more. That's how people get hurt and situations get weird. Honesty upfront saves everyone time and feelings.
Communicate before, during, and after. Before meeting up, be clear about expectations. During, check in and make sure everyone's having a good time. After, don't just ghost unless that was explicitly the vibe you both agreed on.
About spending the night: there's no universal rule here. Some people prefer you leave after, others are cool with staying. Just ask. "Should I head out or you want me to stay?" Easy. Don't make assumptions.
Texting after the hookup: keep it light. A "had fun last night" message is cool. Twenty texts about your day? Probably too much. Match their energy. If they're being distant, take the hint.
If you want to hook up again, just say so. "That was fun, we should do it again sometime" works perfectly. Don't play games. If they're not interested in a repeat, they'll let you know or just not respond, and that's fine.
Don't catch feelings and then get mad that the other person isn't. You both agreed to keep it casual. If you start catching feelings, you need to either be honest about it or end things. Don't secretly hope they'll change their mind.
Be respectful of each other's privacy. Don't tell your friends details about the person unless they're cool with it. Definitely don't post about them on social media. Keep things discreet.
Safety is not optional. Meet in public first, tell a friend where you're going, trust your gut if something feels off. For the actual hookup, protection is a must. This shouldn't even need to be said but apparently it does.
If you're seeing multiple people casually, you don't owe them a detailed list, but if they ask, be honest. Also, get tested regularly and be upfront about your status.
The morning after doesn't have to be awkward. Keep it light, grab coffee if you both want to, or just say goodbye and go about your day. Don't overthink it.
If one person wants to stop the casual thing, respect it immediately. No guilt trips, no trying to convince them. Just say "all good, thanks for letting me know" and move on.
Remember: casual doesn't mean careless. Treat people with basic respect even if you're not looking for a relationship. That means clear communication, honoring boundaries, and not being a jerk. It's really that simple.