softcore pornography

Softcore pornography is sexually suggestive or erotic material that stops short of depicting explicit sex acts or genitalia.

Unlike hardcore pornography, it typically shows nudity, simulated sex, and sensual scenarios while avoiding penetration or graphic close-ups.

The term emerged to distinguish milder erotic content—the kind found in late-night cable movies or certain magazines—from more explicit material: The film was basically softcore pornography with a plot.