After running away to major cities with no money, some resort to prostitution to take care of themselves. While the trade is not forced upon most, it is often out of desperation. Surveys show that male sex workers often report getting into prostitution after running away from home, due to unfortunate home situations. They believe that prostitution fulfills their sexual and emotional needs, so relationships are casual. Liberationists have higher levels of education and self-esteem, maintain good connections with their families, and exude positivity.
Drug and alcohol usage is uncharacteristic of the "part-timers". They use sex work as a way to make life somewhat more comfortable, for example, if they needed to pay a bill or afford something they would not normally be able to.
Thus one may be referred to as a male escort, gigolo (implying female customers), rent boy, hustler (more common for those soliciting in public places), model, or masseur. Where prostitution is illegal or taboo, it is common for male prostitutes to use euphemisms which present their business as providing companionship, nude modeling or dancing, body massage, or some other acceptable fee-for-service arrangement. Some terms vary by clientele or method of business. The terms used for male prostitutes generally differ from those used for females.