What is Sugar Daddy: A Dream Maker or a Scammer?

According to the research, 61% of Americans know what sugar daddy means, but there are still many people doubting whether they are a real deal or just a myth. That’s why we are here today to find out what a modern sugar daddy is, the main SD types, their perks and expectations, and more about these alluring guys. Read on!
What Is a Sugar Daddy?
If we look up sugar daddy in the Urban Dictionary, we can find a definition of a boyfriend that comes with financial benefits. Also, some definitions there state that it’s an older man who wants to date a younger woman and, for that, provides support and spoils with presents.
Contrary to common beliefs, the average age of a sugar daddy is 48, and their average income is around $280,000. Sure thing, SDs can be of different ages, nationalities, and incomes, but what unites them is a desire for mutually beneficial relationships.
How Does a Sugar Daddy Work?
An SD can search for an SB offline, but most commonly, they sign up at one of the popular sugar dating sites and look for young ladies nearby. They offer financial support, which is often around $3,000 monthly, in exchange for companionship, going on dates, traveling, and an intimate relationship. Some sugar daddies prefer PPM, where they pay per meeting or date, but allowances are more common. Also, some sugar relationships might have special conditions, like full exclusivity or staying a particular hair color, which call for extra payment.
What Does a Sugar Daddy Do?
In a sugar relationship, the main role of a sugar daddy is to provide financial support in a variety of forms. This can take the form of an allowance or PPM, but some sugar daddies also cover the cost of tuition, bills, and groceries. Also, most SDs provide additional perks like gifts, fully paid luxury vacations, elite dining, and recreation. However, some sugar daddies also offer mentorship and guidance, both in life and career, due to their extensive experience and networking.
Types of Sugar Daddies
Modern SDs are not the same. That’s why we want you to know all the main types to understand who to grab and who to skip.
What Is a Platonic Sugar Daddy?
The Urban Dictionary defines a platonic daddy as an older man who takes care of a sugar baby, but they don’t have an intimate relationship. Platonic SDs take only around 5% of all sugar daddies, as most wealthy men seek not only companionship but also sexual intimacy.
What Is a Salt Daddy/Splenda Daddy?
The term salt daddy is often used for guys who want to act like a sugar daddy but either can’t or don’t want to provide real sugar. That’s the type you’d better stay away from, as salt daddies often try to pull the wool over the eyes and benefit from the more vulnerable position of a sugar baby.
Though many people think that a salt daddy and a splenda daddy are the same, the last one is defined as a guy who wants to be an SD and is ready to provide some sugar based on their income.
Splenda Daddy vs. Sugar Daddy
Let’s explore the main difference between the two!
Splenda daddy | Sugar daddy |
Wants to provide allowance or PPM, but it’s limited to his budget. | Is not restricted by a set budget as his income is higher. |
Provides around $1,000 in allowance. | Provides $3,000+ in allowance. |
Gives some presents and more elite experiences. | Offers a variety of high-end experiences and presents, or even fully paid shopping sprees. |
Don’t usually offer vacations and trips abroad. | Often covers traveling and luxury gateways both in the country and abroad. |
So, basically, splenda daddy is a sugar daddy on a budget who also provides some financial support and presents, but not to the extent as a traditional SD.
What Do Sugar Daddies Look For?
Though all SDs are a bit different, here are the main things most of the traditional ones look for:
- Sugar daddies want to have their emotional needs met. Most wealthy guys seek support, someone who just listens and cares.
- They want to feel young again. Some SDs like to impress younger women both on dates and in bed. A new stream of youthful energy, joy, and happiness is what makes them feel 20 years younger again.
- SDs want easy and nagging-free relationships. A big part of a sugar arrangement is that both parties clearly communicate what they want, and it eliminates the drama and jealousy of traditional relationships.
- Some sugar daddies find fulfillment in mentoring and feeling admired and appreciated. All rich guys crave admiration, giving their ego a boost—something they don’t often receive from their spouses.
These are the core ones. To learn more about what your sugar daddy looks for, don’t be afraid to just ask.
What Do Sugar Daddies Expect?
An SD’s expectations can be different as we all have different lifestyles and needs. But let’s check out the most common ones:
- Regular dates. They can range from once a week to once a month.
- Regular online communication. Staying connected is a must in between dates.
- Emotional connection. Most SDs want the relationship not to feel transactional, so they expect SBs to play a girlfriend part.
- Admiration and gratefulness. A sugar daddy won’t be with someone who is disrespectful, as they want to get that boost of ego.
- Intimacy. Most sugar arrangements include some sort of intimacy, but it’s not expected on every date if you have a few per week.
- Easy-goingness. An SD often looks for an agreeable SB who won’t take long to agree to go somewhere or travel abroad.
Note that sugar daddies’ expectations may vary, so it’s crucial to negotiate a clear agreement to know what to be ready for.
Is Having a Sugar Daddy Illegal?
Having a sugar daddy lies in the gray zone. Ultimately, having a sugar daddy in the traditional sense is not illegal. However, if your relationship is solely transactional, where you exchange sex for money, it can be taken as prostitution, which is illegal in the majority of Western countries.
Final Thoughts
A sugar daddy can be your dream maker if you choose the right one. So, don’t rush making an arrangement; do a background check and trust your guts, but at the same time, always put your safety first.