Las Vegas isn’t just the city of lost wages, overpriced cocktails, and sequined mini-dresses. Las Vegas is horny. It’s the place where people’s hormones skyrocket the second they land at McCarran. Everyone’s hot, tipsy, and at least a little curious. Some are prowling, some are playing it cool, and some are just trying to remember what single life feels like after years of coupledom.

But let’s be real: it’s also a minefield. Half the people you see are open to a wild night; the other half want to gamble, dance, and go home with their girlfriends or boyfriends. Some women are there for a good time, some are there to work, and some are just waiting for their Uber. If you can’t tell the difference, you’ll end up the cautionary tale.

This guide is here to keep you out of trouble, out of the cringe-zone, and maybe – just maybe – into someone’s hotel suite by sunrise.

Spotting the Signals: Who’s available? 

The Strip and the clubs are like a high-stakes game of charades. Everyone’s sending signals, whether they know it or not. The trick is learning to read them before you shoot your shot.

• Solo at the bar: She could be waiting for a friend or ready for company. Smile, introduce yourself, and pay attention to her response. If she turns back to her phone, that’s your exit cue.

• Groups of girls: They’re celebrating a birthday, a bachelorette, or a “we survived our 20s” trip. Your only way in is through the whole group. Ignore her friends and you’ll be ghosted before you finish your vodka soda.

• Guys flying solo: He could be a lone wolf looking for fun—or just nursing a hangover. Look for posture and eye contact: is he scanning the room or avoiding it?

• At the pool: Sunglasses hide a lot. If someone keeps lowering theirs to glance at you, that’s a green light.

• The dance floor: This one’s easy. If they dance closer when you move in, proceed. If they pivot away? Abort mission.

Confessionals:
“If she’s at the bar with her phone facedown, making eye contact with the bartender but not really scrolling, she’s probably open to being approached. If she’s guarding her clutch like it’s a newborn and glancing at the door every 20 seconds, her boyfriend’s on his way. Don’t be the idiot who gets blown off in front of him.” — Tina, 29, recently divorced

 “I was at XS pool party and caught eyes with this guy across the pool. He sent me a drink, I waved thanks, and then he dove into the water like some Baywatch extra. Ten seconds later, he was sitting next to me, dripping wet and grinning. It was ridiculous. It also worked.” — Taylor, 27

Prostitutes vs. Party Girls (and Guys)

Vegas is one of the only places where it can be genuinely hard to tell if someone’s working or just turning a look. Respect matters here. Don’t be the idiot who assumes every hot woman in Louboutins is a sex worker – and don’t be the creep who assumes sex workers owe you anything for free.

• Clues she’s working: Conversation is quick and transactional, she pivots to “your hotel or mine?” faster than you can finish your martini, she avoids wasting time.

• Clues she’s not: She laughs, asks you questions, drags you to the dance floor, or introduces you to her friends.

• Golden Rule: Don’t assume. Let them tell you who they are.

Confessional:
“Yes, I’m a sex worker in Vegas. I’m not hiding it, and I’m not ashamed. What pisses me off is when guys try to ‘test’ me by wasting my time with fake small talk. Just say what you want. I’m working, not begging. The Chanel bag I’m carrying? Paid for by my professionalism, not your pity.” — Jade, 34

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“I went out in what my friends called the ‘dental floss dress.’ Tiny straps, barely-there fabric, sparkles. I wore it because I wanted attention – periodddt. But I wasn’t charging for it, and I wasn’t DTF with everyone. The guys who won me over were the ones who complimented me without pawing me. They got to buy me a drink. The grabby ones got the back of my hand.” — Jess, 25

Don’t Be That Guy (or Girl)

Vegas has a way of convincing people that normal social rules don’t apply. Spoiler: they still do.

• Don’t hover like a vulture.

• Don’t touch until invited.

• Don’t take a polite smile as an automatic “yes.”

• Don’t deliver pick-up lines you wouldn’t use in real life. (“Are you on the menu?” is not cute.)

Confessional:
“I was at Omnia with my girlfriend, and this guy slid into the booth like he owned it. He leans in and goes, ‘You look like you could use some company.’ Dude, my company was literally in the bathroom. Also: I’m gay. He turned red when she came back and kissed me. Boys, turn your gay-dar on, please.” — Maya, 25

 

The Freshly Single Factor

There’s a particular energy radiating off people who’ve just signed their divorce papers, ghosted their situationship, or deleted Bumble. Vegas is their rebound playground, and they’re equal parts vulnerable and electric. But if someone tells you they’re fresh out of a situationship or divorce, tread lightly. They might be DTF – or they might just want validation and a good story. Speaking of good stories, check out hot.vegas for some of the hottest hookup stories ever written. 

Confessional:
“My divorce papers were literally signed the week before. I was a mess. I didn’t know if I was going to cry or hook up. Turns out, I did both. The guy wasn’t amazing, but he was kind. Honestly? It was the best therapy session I’ve ever had.” — Denise, 41

“I hadn’t kissed anyone new in 11 years. My girlfriends dragged me to Omnia. I was terrified – but also lit on tequila. Some 27-year-old started dancing with me, and I just went for it. My first thought was, ‘Oh my God, I still know how to do this.’ My second thought was, ‘He definitely doesn’t need to know I have two kids at home.’” — Kara, 37

Hit up MILF.vegas for more MILF content. 

 

Gaydar in the Desert

Vegas is also a playground for the LGBTQ+ crowd, but don’t assume.

• Obvious hotspots: Piranha Nightclub, drag brunches at Señor Frog’s, Temptation Sundays at Luxor.

• Subtle cues: Who someone’s watching, who they’re dancing with, where they gravitate in the room.

• Pro move: If you’re not sure, ask. Politely. “Are you single?” is always safer than “Do you like guys/girls?”

 “If you’re at Piranha or FreeZone, it’s safe to flirt. If you’re at a random strip casino bar, don’t start with ‘so, are you gay?’ That’s lazy. Compliment the fit, crack a joke, feel it out. If they lean in, you’re good. If they don’t, back off and don’t make it weird.” — Leo, 32

 

The Pool Party Problem

Vegas pool parties are hookup central—but they’re also shark tanks. Half the people are genuinely DTF, the other half just want to sip frosé in peace.

• Don’t splash into someone’s floatie unless invited.

• Don’t mistake bikinis for consent.

• Do send drinks (politely, not creepily). Bonus points if you ask the server to say, “It’s from the person in the red trunks over there” instead of just sliding it in unannounced.

Confessional:
“At Wet Republic, this guy sent me and my friend a round of tequila shots with a note that said, ‘If you want company, wave.’ It was smooth, respectful, and it worked. We waved. He joined. Simple.” — Alyssa, 26

Want more wet ’n wild confessionals? Head over to wet.vegas.  

After-Hours Etiquette

If you actually make it back to someone’s hotel room, remember: consent is still the rule of the land. And here’s where Vegas-specific etiquette kicks in:

• Don’t trash the minibar like it’s your own.

• Don’t whip out your phone for selfies unless they’re cool with it.

• Don’t assume a hookup means staying the night.

Confessional:
“I took this guy back to my suite at the Cosmopolitan. He was fun—until he started live-streaming our champagne toast for his followers. Nope. I kicked him out. Vegas is wild, but it’s not content for your TikTok.” — Lila, 30

 

Vegas Hookup Hotspots: Clubbing Edition

If hookups are part of your Vegas game plan, the nightclub circuit is your natural hunting ground. Just know each club has its own flavor.

• Omnia (Caesars Palace): The mega-club. Big DJs, big crowds, and a rooftop terrace that practically begs for stolen kisses under the neon glow. Expect more tourists than locals.

• XS (Encore at Wynn): Where the beautiful people dance half-naked by the pool. Bottle service heaven, with a heavy side of Instagram clout. Pro tip: If someone invites you to their table, it’s basically an audition.

• Hakkasan (MGM Grand): The EDM epicenter. Loud, sweaty, and perfect for losing yourself with someone who just showed you their wristband.

• Marquee (Cosmopolitan): Dayclub by day, nightclub by night. The scene is a little looser, a little more approachable, and the pool deck makes it easy to “accidentally” brush arms.

• Piranha (Off-Strip): For the LGBTQ+ set, this is the club to let your freak flag fly. High-energy, drag shows, and no one here is pretending they came to Vegas for “just blackjack.”

Pro Move: Don’t just stand on the edge of the dance floor clutching your drink. Dance, even if badly. Vegas is forgiving when it comes to rhythm – confidence is the real turn-on.

For even more deets on the Vegas club scene, check out clubbing.vegas.

Vegas Hookup Don’ts

• Don’t lead with your room number. It’s not mysterious, it’s desperate.

• Don’t trash-talk sex workers. You’re in Vegas. Respect the hustle.

• Don’t confuse bachelorette-party energy for single-girl energy. If she’s rocking a “Bride Tribe” sash, she’s here to celebrate her friend, not bang you in the Bellagio bathroom.

• Don’t get sloppy drunk. You think you’re charming. You’re not.

• Don’t block the exit. If she’s giving “I need to leave” vibes, let her go. The Strip never sleeps, and neither should your dignity.

Final Word

Vegas hookups are part art, part science, and part sheer dumb luck. If you play it cool, read the room, and respect the people around you, you’ll either score the best one-night story of your life – or at least avoid being the guy who got shut down by a girl in a dental floss dress while the bartender laughed.

 

Got your own hookup horror story (or triumph)? Share it with us—anonymously, of course. Because what happens in Vegas… makes the best stories later.