The term "swinging" relates to sexual acts preformed by three or more people. It is not to be confused with ''polyamourous relationships," wherein three or more people are in a mutually emotional committed relationship. The term swinging used to mean "wife swapping" and is considered a purely sexual act, with little or no emotional involvement.

Swinging is also a little different than an "open relationship." In open relationships, both partners have the choice to see, or date other people, but live with their partner and are not looking for a committed relationship outside of the marriage or partnership, they just like to date other people occasionally. This can include sex but not always.

This is opposed to ''swinging," which is entirely about sex.

Now that you know what the different terms mean, how safe is swinging? The first killjoy that comes to mind is a very real fear; AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The next problem is the probability of getting involved with one other person who will be hurt afterward. This is why the traditional act of swinging is preformed by two couples, hence the outdated term of "wife swapping."

This includes such sexual acts as exhibitionism, where two or more of the swingers will have sex while the other watches, soft swap, wherein the couples switch couples and engage in foreplay only, leaving actual intercourse with there private partners, or group sex, where all four people have sex with each other in the same room.

If swinging is mutually consensual and safe sex is practiced, there is typically no problem with swinging. You should know who you are involved with, though, and the best way of doing this is to join your local sex positive club. This is a private club where couples met and are screened before joining and the rules are hard and fast; absolute use of condoms is required, and you can not touch or try to force anyone to do anything that they don't want to do. Try it and you will get kicked out immediately. It is a wide held opinion that sex positive clubs are the best and safest way to swing. This way you will avoid picking up another couple in a bar; for example, who you really have no idea what their true motives are.

Swinging in any other form than a controlled environment can be dangerous, as there are couples who prey on swingers, having sex and then stealing from them after they go to sleep. It does happen.

The other option is to swing with another couple that you have known for awhile. Be sure that you discuss all the rules with everyone involved, and make sure everyone agrees. Hurt feelings afterward do not make for great sex, which should be fun, safe, and consensual.