What Are Adult Classifieds? The Lowdown on Adult Ads

Doublelist Team

January 8, 2023 8 minutes read
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No, they’re not for seniors, and they’re not for adulting, either. If you’ve been confused about what adult classifieds are, we’re here to give you the clarity you’ve been looking for. From what you can expect to find to where you can go for certain wants and needs, here’s everything you need to know about adult classifieds.

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What Are Adult Classifieds?

To have a better and complete understanding of what adult classifieds are, let’s break down the term into its individual components: “adult” and “classifieds”.

In the “adult classifieds” context, the word “adult” refers to adult material or all things that are rated for an adult audience, i.e., those aged 18 and older. “Classifieds” are defined by Cambridge dictionary as a “collection of small advertisements in a newspaper, magazine, or on a website, organized, for example, by available jobs or types of things for sale.”

Now we can answer the question, “What are adult classifieds?” more accurately. Adult classifieds are a collection of small advertisements geared toward an adult audience, containing adult content, and printed in a newspaper, magazine, or on a website.

Adult classifieds cover a wide variety of listings, including adult products, adult entertainment, adult services, and adult dating/adult personals.

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Are Adult Classifieds Legit?

Yes and no. Then and now, adult classified platforms continue to attract both upstanding and unscrupulous individuals alike. After all, adult classifieds provide exciting opportunities to all folks with certain needs — whether these needs are genuinely biological/sexual in nature or criminal.

From the mildly curious to the hungry and gluttonous consumers, there will always be a market for adult content — and this is why adult classifieds continue to thrive in this day and age. Thanks to digital technology, the enduring appeal of adult classifieds has been made even more intense.

From the traditional classifieds and personals format to the more sophisticated and user interfaces that are based on algorithms or AI, quick and convenient access to these ads has only helped the adult niche remain an evergreen vertical. The proliferation of sites and apps that specifically cater to the needs of the adult market is proof of this.

If your question, “What are adult classifieds? stems from a real need for sexual satisfaction, then you should familiarize yourself with legitimate platforms that take such needs seriously.

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What Are the Types of Adult Classifieds? 

From understanding what adult classifieds are, let us move on to the various types of adult ads and what you can expect to find when you browse through them.

Adult Personals

The most common answer to the question, “What are adult classifieds?” is “adult personals.” These refer to listings for hookups, casual encounters, one-night stands, or NSA sex. You may also find ads from people who are interested in casual dating, online companionship, or exchanging photos. There’s something for everybody on an adult personals platform — whether you just want to have a chat, to go out for coffee, or go straight to the sexy stuff.

In most adult classified sites, adult personals are often categorized according to dating/match preferences. For example, you may prefer women seeking men; men seeking women; women seeking women; men seeking men; women/men seeking couple and vice versa; couple for couple; threesomes; gay men for couple; etc. You can also find niche platforms that cater to specific groups/demographic, such as seniors, gay men, lesbians, the LGBTQ+ community, couples/swingers, the BDSM community, etc.

You’ll need to create an account to be able to post a listing or browse through available listings on these sites. Some platforms only require an email address and location (to get you localized matches); others may require answering a questionnaire so you can be matched based on similarities. Almost all of these sites have free versions, so you can try out as many as you like until you find one that best suits your needs.

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Adult Services

Adult services have definitely crossed the minds of most people who ask the question, “What are adult classifieds?” Strippers are legal in most states, but prostitution and escort services that involve the performance of sexual acts are illegal in almost all states in the U.S.

The exceptions are Nevada, where “prostitution is legal in all but 7 of Nevada’s 17 counties, although only six allow it in every municipality”; and in California and New York, where escort services are legal with a valid license and sexual services are prohibited.

Find out what laws your state has regarding adult services before engaging in them. Most adult classified platforms do not allow posts that implicitly/explicitly promote prostitution. However, sex workers frequently use these platforms to seek out clients.

Adult services may also be performed online, via chatting or video streaming, for example. Again, make sure that local laws do not prohibit such activities. Always exercise caution when communicating and interacting with individuals who offer such services.

Adult Products

Adult products can range from condoms and performance enhancers to sex toys, BDSM paraphernalia, and costumes. If you are interested in such products, there are plenty of online and physical stores that sell them directly and where you’ll have a better shopping experience.

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What Are Adult Classifieds Safety Tips to Keep In Mind?

Needless to say, make sure the adult classifieds platform you choose has a good reputation. Creating an account and browsing are often safe enough; making a connection online can be a low-pressure and exciting experience. However, it is not without risks. When you post a listing, reply to one, or receive messages, you should also ask yourself what adult classified safety tips you need to keep in mind.

  1. Use a trustworthy site. This bears repeating because the preponderance of online dating sites means that online fraud has also been increasing. Stick to the well-known adult classified platforms that have well-established community guidelines and security protocols.

  2. Be cyber savvy AND cyber secure. Anybody can easily search for you online using your name or a photo you use on your dating profile. Make sure all your online accounts are secure and can only be viewed by your family and closest friends.

    As much as possible, limit the personal information you share when creating a personals account and posting an ad, and use photo/s for your dating profile that you haven’t used anywhere else online. Don’t post or share any contact information with people you meet via adult classifieds.

  3. Verify the identity of people you talk to. Use their photo/s to do a reverse image search on Google. Try to look for their social media accounts or any online presence using their name. Only interested in hooking up once? Or perhaps you’re not interested in getting to know a potential match on a more personal level? You should still do some research to make sure the person is who they say they are before meeting up with them.

What’s the Best Adult Classified Platform Out There?

Instead of asking, “What are your adult classifieds options?” you should ask which one is the best platform for you.

If you’re interested in all types of casual encounters and you’re looking for a site that’s free, secure, and highly inclusive, then you should check out DoubleList adult classifieds.

On DoubleList, you can remain anonymous when you create your account (absolultely free!), browse through local listings, post a listing of your own, or exchange messages with potential matches. You only need three things to become a DoubleLister: an email address (which you’ll use to log in); a mobile number (which will only be used to verify your account); and your location (so you can easily find local matches).

You can also choose more than one sexual preference, which means more exciting possibilities! Are you interested in Guys for Guys? How about Women for Guys, Guys for Women, or Women for Women? Do you prefer Couples for Couples, Couples for Her/Him, Males/Females for Couples, Gay for Straight, or Straight for Gay? There’s something for everybody on DoubleList!

DoubleList is available in more than 248 locations in the United States, so you have great odds of connecting with someone in your area whose needs and desires match yours. Set up your next hookup soon! Sign up for a free account now!

Unlock your wildest fantasies and connect with locals today!

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