Outercourse is sexual activity without vaginal or anal penetration, as opposed to intercourse. The narrowest definitions of outercourse often exclude oral sex as well.
No bodily fluids are intended to be exchanged, and outercourse is therefore often considered a practice of safer sex as well as of birth control (but see below for exceptions).
Some practices of outercourse include:
Note that with oral sex, there is a higher risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) than with other forms of outercourse, but studies have shown (so far) that there is less chance of getting these diseases through oral sex than with vaginal intercourse. One can reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases this way by using barrier methods. The risk of pregnancy with oral sex is only through contact between sperm-bearing fluids such as semen or Cowper's fluid and female sex organs, though the sex organs aren't usually in close contact with oral sex.
Note also that interfemoral intercourse and genital rubbing, although notionally forms of outercourse, can carry a risk of pregnancy through transfer of sperm-bearing fluids such as semen or Cowper's fluid to the sex organs, and that any of the activities above can pose a risk of sexually transmitted diseases if any body fluids are deposited on wounds or mucous membranes such as those of the sex organs or anal membranes.
Outercourse in preparation for intercourse is also called foreplay.
Dr. Joycelyn Elders, President Bill Clinton's surgeon general, tried to popularize outercourse as a means of sexual play for teens that would offer a safer alternative than sexual intercourse involving penile-vaginal or penile-anal penetration. However, her recommendation was controversial and was not well received by many teens' parents. Eventually, Elders resigned.
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