Although there's some disagreement about whether the word "outercourse'' should include oral sex or not, as used here outercourse refers to all common forms of sex which do not involve penetration of the vagina or anus.

Although (particularly with oral sex) the risk of STD transmission doesn't completely disappear, all other things being equal most kinds of outercourse tend to be lower-risk activities. They don't involve loss of ``virginity'' (as traditionally defined in the heterosexual world), and they ordinarily carry no risk of pregnancy.

Even for partners who have long-since moved into enjoying penetrative sex, these can be wonderful forms of foreplay.

(note:  see also, "Touchless Sex")