In a society full of acronyms and slang terms such as SMH, delulu and FWIW, “FWB” is one of many. You may have seen it on dating apps, near the phrase “Netflix and chill,” or in a text from a friend.

“In my thirty years of sexual experience, I’ve had one one-night stand, four f*ck-buddies, and no friends-with-benefits. Have I missed something good?” —A woman Just like romantic love, friends with ...

The term was probably first said in Alanis Morissette’s song “Head Over Feet,” in which she sings, “You’re my best friend, best friend with benefits.” While Morissette was referring to a long-term ...