People are just finding out that Gen Z have changed what 'first base' really means

Many on the internet are just finding out that Generation Z have changed what 'first base' had previously entailed.

Whether it's a new meme or a travel trend, Gen Z have become known for changing the boundaries of what was previously thought by millennials and the older generations. And the same seemingly goes for sex and relationships too, with the term 'first base' now seemingly taking a totally different meaning all together.

Many will know the term from the world of dating, and it will bring back a lot of college memories of pals asking you what 'base' you had reached on a recent date. Well, back then, 'first base' usually meant usually meant a kiss, with 'second' and 'third base' becoming more sexually intimate.

But the goalposts have now changed thanks to the younger generation, with Gen Z saying 'first base' in 2025 describes the act of oral sex.

'First base' now has a completely different meaning (Getty Stock Photo)

Annabelle Knight, a sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney, has explained how this should hardly come as a surprise due to Gen Z's attitude towards sex.

She said (as per the Metro): "Many young people today tend to have a much more open, nuanced view of sex and pleasure – oral sex, for instance, is arguably seen as less intimate than it once was, and that’s partly down to the influence of pop culture, porn, and how we discuss sex more freely online.

"Traditionally, 'first base' was kissing, 'second' was touching above the waist, and so on, but younger generations don’t always play by that rulebook anymore."

The expert added: "These days, sex and intimacy aren’t linear – there’s less emphasis on ticking off the bases in order, and much more focus on what feels right in the moment."

(Getty Stock Photo)

Lucy Rowett, a fellow sex coach, explained in a piece for The i Paper how 'younger generations are much more open-minded and progressive around sex and relationships', though expressed her concern by stating Gen Z are 'also very confused'.

The whole talking point around oral sex after a first date has even gathered traction on Reddit, with one 24-year-old explaining how the sexual practice is 'normalised' after a first date.

Meanwhile, TikToker @laura.lmkk weighed in on the debate on the popular video platform, claiming it is 'normal' for Gen Z to partake in oral sex just hours after meeting a date for the first time.

"Our generation thinks it’s weird to bring flowers on the first date, but getting intimate on the first date is normal," she added.