I think this is unique to each individual. Youre feelings on this matter are perfectly normal for you as an individual however others may view it completely different which is normal for them from their perspective as an individual. I think it all boils down to communicationwords matter!
Two consenting individuals both on the same page through, not only actions (sex) but words as well.

I never considered myself in an Exclusive relationship with a woman until both she and I discussed it and both agreed. Up until that time (sex or not), we were simply datingno commitmenteach free to do as they will. The times that I did become Exclusive with someone it was because, as you say, feelings had developed, deep interest in one another, and a desire to see where this may lead?

SEX and dating, look I don't know what you think but I think that you must be in like or almost love to give yourself to a man, I have had 7 relationships in my life, sexually cause I am so fing choosy!

One lasted as sexual sport his named was Richards S we taught each other how to be good lovers

One was my best friend, which was tough, I was with his brother and I respected his brother so I would not go there with him. IT was the hardest thing in my life to walk away from him, cause sex was not part of it. THE SONG HALF CRAZY is how I felt when I walked away from him!

THEN there was the greatest lover on earth, I will not share anything about him but my 65 year old sister raped him, after our relationship was thru!

THEN there was Ricky W a GQ man, toot my horn!

AND EDDIE W.. we lived in a house with a pool and no kitchen

THE others are just boring boyfriends not worth talking about!

YOU must care and date but that does not mean sex!

Thumper, totally agree.

If sex before agreed exclusivity is confusing for you, then don't have sex. You can date and get to know someone and they get to know you independent of sex.

#4 sums it up quite well

It's not that I don't get attached, I do, I just know where the boundaries lie because it is discussed in advance and I don't usually have sex with multiple people at once.
This time it was a complete fluke actually, probably because I ve had such a bad sex life for a long time. I wasn't planning having sex right away, it just happened.

I think it feels strange if u have come out of a relationship & are looking to start meeting people again..I'm going thru this atm..but sometimes the urge to have sex with someone on the same level works well...

it had been a whole 10 years I went without dating while I was with my ex. Just like everything else in life, things changed. The dating scene certainly has changed. But as someone said, what you want to do is all individual.

There are those who go out looking for a hook up, not a date or to continue to see that person. Others will date and feel that if nothing is "done" by the 3rd date, then something is wrong with them, the other person or life in general. Others are old school; wait until there are strong feelings or commitment or a relationship. Some still wait for marriage. I know, crazy people who haven't come along to the new century. (rolls eyes)

Either way you go , there are strong opinions and judgements on all sides when it comes to having "sex". You have sex for pleasure, for love, for sport, all for all those reasons. It's entirely up to each individual. What I would like to see more of tho, is respect from everyone for whatever decision you make. Its your body, you take care of it as you wish.

For me, I'll stick with my old school ways because Im the type that would really have sex, make love, whatever, for all those reasons, but with just one partner, to explore and have fun with someone I care about or have feelings for, not with whoever may cross my path this night or that night so to satisfy some "need" or just because I can and / or its "what people do now."

Judge me, call me names or that I must be gay or a trans because I didn't jump right in the sack. Make up whatever reasons you like as to why it didn't "happen" that night. I don't care. Its how I want to live my life and its the type of relationship / partner I would like to have.

Some people are shallow, superficial and animal, use each other for flesh gratification. Others, like yourself, mysteryman, are deeper, more tender hearted, find a substantial soul connection through physical intimacy, and get attached. Each sensibility is totally that of the individuals participating, and it's no one else's business to judge or criticize. All you can do is talk about what you want and hopefully someone else nibbles, says they feel the same way.

My personal sensibility is generally like yours, mysteryman, WHEN I've met someone I truly like as a person. Right now, there's nobody I'm that fond of, and sometimes, when I actually have down-time from working and am sufficiently bored, it'd be nice to just pass the time by indulging in some sex with a random stranger I find hot. Yes, I'd feel a little detachment withdrawal afterwards, when they leave, because I'd be hoping it would've led to more, but I'd chock it up to an enjoyable experience, a fond memory, which hopefully I snuck some pictures or video of, and I'd push through the withdrawals, get busy exercising or doing something else.