To dry hump is to rub genitals against a person or object, without penetration. The term is most commonly used to describe rubbing genitals with a partner, often fully clothed. However, it is also dry hump an inanimate object such as a piece of furniture or pillow. Dry humping with a partner is sometimes called dry sex. It is a type of outercourse, as it does not involve penetration as intercourse does.
Dry humping is a variation of humping, a slang term for penetrative sex. It’s called dry humping because people don’t directly exchange bodily fluids as they do during oral, vaginal or anal sex. They also usually don’t come in contact with bodily fluids, such as vaginal lubrication, pre-ejaculate, or ejaculate either. As such, dry humping is a very safe form of sexual play.
When dry humping, people get close to their partners, aligning their bodies so they are face-to-face. They may lie next to each other or one person may lie on their back while their partner straddles them. Couples can also dry hump in a standing position. One person may lean against a wall for support when they’re dry humping while standing. Alternatively, one partner could stand and lift their partner, who wraps their legs around the standing partner for support. Couples can also dry hump from a seated position, with one partner straddling the other. Once in position, the couple moves rhythmically together, rubbing their genitals to stimulate them. It is possible to orgasm from dry humping.
As dry humping involves getting physically close to a partner, it is a great way to build intimacy. Some people find it easier to relax or stay in the moment during dry humping as they don’t have to worry about pregnancy or contraception.
Some people enjoy dry humping as part of foreplay. Others dry hump instead of having intercourse. This is common early in a relationship and when people are abstaining from sex. This may occur when couples abstain from sex before marriage or during periods when they are at high risk of pregnancy.
Frottage is often presented as a synonym of dry humping, but unlike dry humping, it doesn't typically imply that the participants are clothes.
