A sugar daddy is typically an older, wealthy man who provides financial support, gifts, or other benefits to a younger partner, often called a sugar baby, in exchange for companionship, intimacy, or a relationship that may include romantic or sexual elements

. This relationship, known as sugar dating or sugaring, often involves the sugar daddy acting as a sponsor or benefactor, while the sugar baby receives material or financial assistance, such as money, luxury goods, vacations, or mentorship

. The relationship is usually characterized by a significant age difference and financial dependency of the sugar baby on the sugar daddy, with arrangements often negotiated and mutually agreed upon

. Unlike traditional prostitution, sugar dating may encompass broader social and emotional aspects beyond direct payment for sexual services, though the boundaries can be fluid

. Sugar daddies may see themselves as patrons or sponsors, and sugar babies may emphasize that intimacy is only one part of the relationship

. In summary, a sugar daddy is an older, affluent man who supports a younger partner financially or materially in exchange for companionship and intimacy within a negotiated relationship framework.