Dating trend on the rise is seeing people pay more than £200 to have sex

There's a controversial dating trend on the rise and many are forking out hundreds of pounds in order to take part.

It sometimes feels like there's far too many dating trends to keep up with nowadays, but this might be one that the majority of us have heard of before.

The concept has been around long before social media came about, and it might be making a sensational comeback onto the dating scene.

Several women have recently opened up about why they take part in the practice, going as far as to claim that it's 'better' than regular dating.

Apparently, this is for a number of reasons, as forming a relationship with someone seems to be that bit more challenging in the 21st century.

Dating in the 2020s is as complicated as ever (Getty Stock Image)

We're talking about the profession known as 'escorting'.

What is escorting?

You may think that the trend is related to prostitution in some way, but it's quite different.

While you do still pay for the individual's services, you don't necessarily have sex with them, as it can sometimes include companionship and intimate services.

After paying for their time, their services may or may not include sex, depending on the packages on offer, as it seems like an increasing number of people are paying to go on stress-free dates.

While several women are reportedly unhappy in relationships or single and trying to find the one, it seems that some are turning to escorts to fulfil their needs.

Misconceptions about escorting

Speaking to The Sun, PA Laura admitted why she has gone down the route of hiring escorts after her last relationship ended.

Describing escorts as 'the ultimate power move' with women in control, she admits looking up 'boyfriend experiences'.

"Basically male escorts who’ll take you on dates and act the part, no questions asked," the 29-year-old explained, adding that she would pay from £220 per hour, while boundaries were also laid out.

After meeting an escort named James on a 'normal date', she spoke of the power of knowing how the night would go, as the Brit admitted: "It felt like a normal date - except I knew exactly how the night would go,

"There was no game-playing, no awkward ‘will-he-won’t-he?’ tension."

The 'no-nonsense' nature of escorting seemingly attracts people to it (Getty Stock Image)

Why are people choosing it over dating?

Laura didn't prioritise sex on the first date, though when they did do it, 'it certainly lived up to expectations', she said.

Now, the PA has paid for over ten experiences, either for male company, or for a night of good sex, as she pointed out: "Some nights end with a goodbye hug, others with fireworks.

"Honestly, sex with an escort is often better than a one-night stand."

While she said escorts are often 'attentive and entirely focused on her pleasure', she spoke about missing out on the 'emotional admin' that comes with dating.

Laura explained: "There are no mixed signals, no awkward texts the next day, no-one nicking your duvet at 3am..."

"I totally get why more and more of them (women) are doing this," she said, adding that 'it's not a man's world anymore'.

As Laura plans to continue using escorts until she meets the one, Natasha, 34, also spoke of the 'game changing' trend.

"For me, engaging with male escorts has become a way to explore my sexuality and seek companionship on my own terms," she explained.

Paying for an escort doesn't always result in sex (Getty Stock Image)

Speaking of the experience, she noted having to pay a 'strange' deposit up front, while it cost her £300 an hour, noting: "It was worth every penny."

"When I’m with a male escort, I feel free to ask for exactly what I want in bed," the PR executive admitted.

"I get to enjoy sex with a hot, confident man, with no strings attached. It’s like dating on steroids."

Natasha switches the men up every couple of months too, and she isn't afraid of hiding her escort use from friends and family.

"Everyone has the right to seek pleasure, intimacy and connection in ways that feel right to them," she claimed.

Natasha added: "This isn’t about being desperate or giving up on love - it’s reclaiming my pleasure and prioritising fulfilling, joyful experiences, in and out of the bedroom."