How is prostitution defined?

Prostitution is defined as the act of soliciting another person to engage in sexual activity in exchange for payment. The emphasis here is on the exchange of sexual services for monetary compensation, which distinguishes prostitution from other forms of sexual relationships. This definition captures the commercial aspect of the activity, highlighting the transactional nature that is central to the legal and social understanding of prostitution.

In contrast, engaging in sexual relations for love, offering companionship for money without a sexual aspect, and participating in intimate relationships without financial gain do not meet the criteria of prostitution. These alternative scenarios lack the critical component of a financial transaction specifically for sexual services, which is a defining characteristic of prostitution according to legal standards.