{"id":25776,"date":"2019-10-17T13:49:40","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T11:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=25776"},"modified":"2026-02-19T06:14:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T05:14:59","slug":"making-love-vs-having-sex-an-inside-look-at-romantic-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/making-love-vs-having-sex-an-inside-look-at-romantic-sex\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Love vs. Having Sex \u2013 What&#8217;s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/author\/lauriemintz\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"doctor-banner alignnone wp-image-47728 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/laurie-mintz-doctor-review-banner-white.jpg\" alt=\"lelo laurie mintz doctor review\" width=\"270\" height=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As humans we automatically assign meaning to nearly everything\u2026 especially those who are prone to over analyzing. And for the most part, this is a fair way to live, as the way in which things are said, done, and shown can have different intentions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a hug, for example. It\u2019s a universal symbol of comfort, affection, and sometimes love. But a hug can also be done in such a way that it means something different. The same goes for sex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex (for heterosexual individuals), often defined as intercourse, with its basic function of procreation, is anything but for billions of people worldwide. And while the instructions are the same, you know&#8230; a P in the V, the way in which it\u2019s done can make or break the entire experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex, in any capacity, is about the motion in the ocean, the timing, the mood, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/men-vs-women-why-and-how-do-we-experience-sexual-arousal\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">levels of sexual arousal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, hormones, chemistry, attraction, so on and so forth. A powerful concoction of the above and more then give us the feeling that we\u2019re either making love or having sex (and dare I even say it, simply \u2018fucking\u2019).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And despite the fact that one is no more superior than the other, many times, the distinction between them are misunderstood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSex alleviates tension, love causes it,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d according to director, writer, and actor, Woody Allen.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does it Mean to Have Sex?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having sex, regardless of how amazing, wonderful, and firework-inducing it is, does not always equal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">making love<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can have sex with anyone you want to\u2014and it doesn\u2019t have to be someone you love. According to philosopher Alan Goldman, having sex is a means to an end. It is the ability to fulfill one\u2019s desire for another\u2019s body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He goes on to say that having sex is merely a mechanical act, that is\u2014a way in which to stimulate and satisfy one\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">own<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sexual and physical needs. This, according to Goldman, is a self-gratifying and self-regarded activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To add to Golman\u2019s theory, the words of Immanuel Kant:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSexual love makes of the loved person an object of appetite; as soon as that appetite has been stilled, the person is cast aside as one casts away a lemon which has been sucked dry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kind of a bleak way to describe sex, right?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does it Mean to Make Love?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In short, making love doesn&#8217;t mean you forget totally about self-satisfaction, but it does mean that you approach the activity as one of creating connection and unity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And according to Greek philosopher, Aristotle, the act of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">making love<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201ccomposed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is the inclusion of two people, creating a kind of \u2018oneness\u2019 of mutual respect and authentication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This kind of love making can reflect tenderness, adoration, and is a way in which having sex and making love can be distinguished. (Of course, kinky sex which is not tender can also be a form of making love, with a trusted other).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But even with the notion of \u2018becoming one\u2019, many well-esteemed philosophers argue that making love does not take away from each individual, respectively. Each person is unique yet lost in each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does One Need to Be in Love to Make Love?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Love means something different to everyone, and thus the experience of making love may be utterly different from one couple to the next.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, in my personal opinion, it helps to be in love\u2026 but it is not always necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, making love may just help build a stronger foundation and pave the way for being in love. The intimate, thoughtful, and selfless act of love making can create a powerful slew of emotions and feelings that can have a huge effect on one\u2019s mind, body, and soul.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional Benefits of Romantic Sex<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional Benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making love is a way in which to channel deep sexual energy that bonds two people together. It\u2019s far more than the physical act, and is about creating a space that includes your partner for absolute fulfillment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By doing this, an emotional connection is continuously being built, causing happiness for both individually and as a couple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making love opens up the ability to experience a much <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/boost-bedroom-confidence\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher and healthier self-esteem<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and a better emotional, sexual, and personal identity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6 Ways to Have More Romantic Sex<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Communication<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking about sex with a partner can be daunting for some, as it can be a vulnerable experience. But according to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brene Brown<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a research professor at the University of Houston and bestselling author, vulnerability is an excellent emotion to embrace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s taking an emotional risk that can bring about love, belonging, trust, joy, and creativity. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication is a powerful tool that can deepen intimacy and emotional connections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and is a way to build on what both partners like, resulting in more meaningful love making.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Sex and Achieving Orgasm is Not The End Goal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More often than not, individuals and couples believe that having sex and achieving an orgasm is the \u2018main event\u2019 or \u2018the prize\u2019 after engaging in sexual activity. And that\u2019s where so many people get it wrong.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To enjoy better love making, it\u2019ll prove extremely beneficial to redefine the meaning of sex. It\u2019s not about men worrying about their size, or a woman stressing about whether she will orgasm or not, and it\u2019s not about simply engaging in penetrative sex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In actuality, this kind of mentality can bring about sexual dysfunction for individuals and couples.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To build on your sexual energy, and to enjoy more fulfilling love making, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">focus on slowing down and enjoying the entire experience<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without an \u2018end goal\u2019 in mind. Each minute that passes while two people are entangled in romantic embrace is a minute where trust and intimacy is being built.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Intimate Intercourse Positions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engage in intercourse positions that allow for maximum intimacy. This could be the age-old favourite, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/the-missionary-position-why-do-we-love-to-hate-it\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">missionary style<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whereby you can look into each other\u2019s eyes and or lock hands. Or it could be a comfortable spooning position that allows for full-body contact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a position<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that not only makes you both feel comfortable, safe, and confident, but that also encourages intimacy using various body parts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Location and Ambience<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Love making is powerful, mindful, and meaningful<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so the location, ambience, and mood can make or break the experience. And because it takes two to tango, creating a space that\u2019s passionate, warm, and welcoming is important when it comes to love making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/8-great-places-quality-quickie-sex\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A quickie in your best friend\u2019s bathroom<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> generally won\u2019t cut it, and neither will trying to get it on when someone could interrupt you at any given moment. Choose a romantic space with no interruptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use candles, dim lighting, sexy lingerie, or soft music if that\u2019s what gets both partners feeling sensual. You could add <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/video-flickering-touch-massage-candles\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">massage oils<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a bubble bath with champagne into the mix to get those passionate feelings going.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever you fancy, go with the flow and allow the experience to unfold naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Kissing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kissing is often referred to as more intimate than sex because it is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">built<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on feelings. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locking lips is actually a very intimate, intimidating, and vulnerable act<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, being so close to someone\u2019s face with nothing to \u2018hide behind\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To kiss means taking in someone\u2019s scent, their taste, their breath, their body. And depending on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/making-out-the-perfect-time-and-technique\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">type of kiss<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a slew of emotions can surface. A slow, sweet and passionate kiss can be full of raw emotion with the ability to whisk you away to a completely different place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Post-Love Making Cuddles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The act of love making itself is a beautiful and meaningful experience, and this is made even more special with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/cuddling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">post-love making cuddles and embracing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and even talking about the experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having said all of that, there is no \u2018right\u2019 way to have sex. Making love is not superior to having sex, and vica versa. Some prefer sex and some prefer making love. Both can be extremely healthy and beneficial depending on your personal circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do what feels right for you, and you\u2019ll be rewarded with great sexual pleasure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>This article was scientifically fact-checked by <a href=\"#draudit\">Human Sexuality expert Dr. Laurie Mintz<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>*In this article, for ease of reader understanding, we are using the words sex and intercourse as synonymous, as is done in popular culture in general. Similarly, we use the word \u201cforeplay\u201d the way it is used in popular culture (i.e., the sexual acts such as oral sex that come before intercourse). However, as aptly pointed out by our sex expert Laurie Mintz, we would also like to acknowledge that such language exalts men\u2019s most reliable rout to orgasm and linguistically erases women\u2019s most reliable route to orgasm\u2014clitoral stimulation, either alone or coupled with penetration. Indeed, only between 4% and 18% of women reliably orgasm from penetration alone. We look forward to the day when such language is not commonly used in culture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As humans we automatically assign meaning to nearly everything\u2026 especially those who are prone to over analyzing. And for the most part, this is a fair way to live, as the way in which things are said, done, and shown can have different intentions. Take a hug, for example. It\u2019s a universal symbol of comfort, affection, and sometimes love. But a hug can also be done in such a way that it means something different. The same goes for sex.\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":115,"featured_media":25777,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[925,924],"tags":[909,189,669],"coauthors":[948,943],"class_list":["post-25776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-committed","category-dating","tag-fact-checked-by-doctor","tag-healthy-relationship","tag-sexual-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What\u2019s the Difference Between Having Sex and Making Love?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Did you know that your physical, mental, and emotional feelings are completely different depending on which kind of intercourse you\u2019re having?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/making-love-vs-having-sex-an-inside-look-at-romantic-sex\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What\u2019s the Difference Between Having Sex and Making Love?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Did you know that your physical, mental, and emotional feelings are completely different depending on which kind of intercourse you\u2019re having?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/making-love-vs-having-sex-an-inside-look-at-romantic-sex\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Volont\u00e9\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LELO.Official\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-10-17T11:49:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta 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