What is a key party?

A key party (also known as a swinging party or wife-swapping party) is a social gathering where attendees, typically heterosexual couples, engage in activities with the goal of swapping partners for sexual activity.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• Purpose: The primary goal is consensual partner swapping, involving sexual encounters between different couples.

• Participation: Participation is usually voluntary and requires prior agreement amongst all involved parties. Clear consent and communication are crucial.

• Format: Key parties can vary significantly in format, ranging from small private gatherings at someone's home to larger, more organized events at clubs or dedicated venues.

• Rules: Specific rules and expectations vary depending on the event or group. These may include rules about protected sex, which couples swap, and what behaviors are acceptable. These rules are often discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

• Terminology: The term "key party" refers to the original method where couples would place their keys in a bowl, and then each person would randomly select keys to determine who they would pair with. While this method is less common now, the name has stuck.

• Ethical Considerations: Open communication, honesty, and mutual respect are vital for ethical non-monogamy and key party participation.