Depending on the local authority and community standards, lap dances can engross touching of the dancer by the patron, the patron by the dancer, neither, or both; the dancer may be naked, topless or fully clothed. Variant terms comprise couch dance which is a lap dance where the consumer is seated on a couch and bed dance where the customer lies down. A block session typically half an hour to an hour can be booked in the champagne room, where the dancer and the patron talk in an intimate setting and drink champagne together. The male/female may perform lap dances too, depending on the patron's desires.

Lap dancing clubs are a development of the former strip clubs, in which strippers danced on stage and were paid a salary. In the 1970s, New York's Melody Theater began audience participation.

Full-contact lap dances often involve non-penetrative sex where the stripper may rub her lap or genitalia (if naked) against the patron's. Local jurisdictions and community standards typically determine how much and where the patron can touch the dancer during the lap dance. In some cases, any touching by the patron is forbidden. On the other hand, absent any oversight by the club, various levels of contact may be negotiable between the participants. Clubs vary widely with regard to whether they enforce their rules, or turn a blind eye to violations. Some patrons wear a condom before they enter the club: along with wearing pants that are very loose, this allows the man to have so called dry sex, while being safe.

Lap dance types:

Couch Dance: A couch-dance is a type of lap dance in which the person upon which the dance is being performed is seated on a couch. In most of the dance clubs, the dancers are private contractors who pay fee to perform and earn money for their dance. According to the quality of the club the cost may vary but mostly it will be between 10 and 50 dollars. This fee is just like a gift to the dance clubs since most dancers are not employed by the club but make their earnings through tips.

Chair Dance: Chair dance is a type of lap dance in which you do the whole dance seated in a chair, still you get a full workout increasing your strength, endurance and flexibility. People of all ages and levels can benefit from this dance style especially those with injuries or disabilities will find it more helpful. Aged persons and injured athletes will find this dance as a great way to maintain their health.

Bed Dance: Bed dance is a dance style in which the customer lies down. A session typically an hour can be booked in a room, where the dancer and the customer talk in an intimate setting and drink champagne together. The dancers may also perform lap dance depending on the patron's desire.