There's so many shapes, models, textures, colors, and materials used in sex toys nowadays. It can be confusing figuring out just what someone is talking about exactly. If you ever find yourself in a situation like that, use these handy definitions to pretend like you know what you're talking about! This will also help to define some terms I'll use during my sex toy reviews. These aren't in any particular order - I'll probably get around to alphabetizing them (eventually).

Vibrators - This is probably the most common of sex toy that you'll hear about. This is a vibrating toy intended for vagina or anal insertion, stimulation of nearly any area imaginable, as well as having some of the weirdest designs (one of the most popular vibrators is the rabbit). Some vibrators can do all of this at once, and others are geared towards one specific purpose.

Whip - Often used in BDSM, whips are both the common variety you can find in more mundane venues, or specially designed stimulation toys.

Crop - Used in BDSM play, this is the same as a crop you would use in riding a horse.

Dildos - At their most basic, dildos are like vibrators, except they don't vibrate. They are also used primarily for insertion. They do have just as many different shapes, sizes, and models as vibrators do.

Egg - No, not the kind that comes from a chicken. This is a small egg shaped vibrator that is often used with sleeves or with smaller form vibrators.

Dong - This is a dildo specifically designed for anal insertion. One of the differences between a dildo and a dong is that the dong has a wider base so that it cannot slip into the ass.

Anal Beads - This is a string of beads of varying sizes that is intended to be inserted into the ass one by one. You can then later pull them out at whatever speed floats your boat for an amazing sensation.

Butt Plug - This is a little different from a dong. Butt plugs are normally shaped in a tapering cone with a wide base at the bottom so that it cannot accidentally be placed completely in the ass.

Nipple Clamps - These are two small clamps connected by a chain. They are intended to be used for tit torture or stimulation. They are often used in BDSM.

Fleshlight - I felt this particular toy deserved separate mention. The Fleshlight is a masturbation sleeve for men - it is unique in that it is housed in a flashlight casing.

Prostrate Toy - These are anal play toys designed specifically for men. Its use is to stimulate the prostrate for extreme pleasure.

Cock Ring - Cock rings can be plain or vibrating, but they both have one purpose - extended longevity.

Strap On - Strap on is a term that actually encompasses a large amount of toys. First you have your strap on dildos and vibrators - these are typically mounted into a harness . Next, you have strap on clitorial stimulation vibrators - these are often shaped as a flower or butterfly. I know I had a third stuck in my head but I seem to have forgotten it.

G-Spot Stimulators - These are dildos and vibrators designed to reach the elusive g-spot for intense pleasure. Some of the designs for these get a bit...strange.

Clitorial Stimulators - These toys either have attachments onto other types of toys or are solely designed for clit stimulation. Finger vibrators are often used for this, and many of the more popular vibrators have designs that accommodate clit stimulation.

Remote Controlled Toys - Oh god are these ones interesting. Any type of vibrating toy is fair game to be set up for remote control. Just give the remote to your dirty minded partner and see what happens. Most remote controlled toys allow the speed and sometimes the pattern of the vibrations to be changed.

Ticklers - This is a type of extender that is put on the end of the cock. It can have many strange textures and patterns for the most unique sensations. Ticklers can also be little feathers that are commonly seen in Kama Sutra packs.

Sleeve - There are two types of sleeves - masturbation sleeves and bullet/egg sleeves. The first is a masturbation aid for men. It is designed to encase the cock and provide extra sensations while masturbation. The second are pretty much accessories to go over bullets or eggs in order to turn it into a customizable vibrator - a sleeve for every mood!

Extenders - These are attachments that go onto the end of the cock. They can be used to add extra length or to give a different sensation to intercourse.

Pumps - The most common type of pump is the penis pump. This can provide stimulation to the penis as well as (supposedly) increasing penis size. Your mileage may vary on that part, however. The second is clit/tit stimulation via suction.

Harness - Harnesses are used to hold dildos or vibrators for strap on play.

Adonis Pouch - I haven't seen this toy in many places, not sure why. It's a toy that encases your balls and provides stimulation via vibration.

Lubrication - This refers to lotions and potions for making you nice and slippery down below.

Sex Swing - This is a rather large scale sex toy - there are many different models all focusing around the basic concept of suspended sex.

Kits - This term normally refers to a gift pack or specialty toy kit.

Paddle - Almost like in grade school, but much kinkier - these paddles are used for spanking and BDSM.

Sex Dolls - All blow up girlfriend jokes aside, a sex doll is just a life sized toy normally resembling a man/woman with holes/penis that you can get off with.

Hitachi Magic Wand - This is another one I have to mention by name. The famous Magic wand is one of the most popular 'massagers' ever.

Orgasm Balls (Smart Balls) - This is another toy I haven't seen much. It's a specialty product that is designed for women that cannot safely have a normal sized toy or their partner inside of them. This is mostly for late trimester pregnancies or post partum periods. These balls provide extra stimulation without going far into the vagina, making them safe for those times.

Gag - Often used in BDSM (or if you really, really want your partner to shut the hell up for two seconds. Or if they are really loud during sex and the relatives are visiting. Or...well you get the idea.). This is just something that restricts talking. It can be as simple as a scarf or as advanced as a ball gag.

Electro Toys - This is a designation of toys that use low levels of electricity for stimulation.

Masturbator - Just another name for the type of sleeve for men.

Ben-Wa Balls - This isn't so much a toy as vagina work out. This strengthens the muscles down there so you can improve just how much control (and how tight you can make them) you have over your muscle reactions.

Cock and Ball Harness - This is often used in BDSM. It is a cage for cock and balls that limits just how aroused the man can get.

Wand - This is a type of toy that is used more for stimulation than insertion. It shares properties with both dildos and vibrators.

Chastity Devices - These lock off your parts for the fun stuff. Used in BDSM and can be used to drive someone absolutely crazy with desire.