Variations of Rape

Date Rape
Term used to describe rape where the rapist knows the victim. When this term is used, the most common defense given by the person accused of rape is: "It was consensual!" 

Many people use this term in a manner meant to deny the reality of rape between people who know each other.

See: Defining rape when someone is incapable of giving legal consent

False Rape
Term used to describe any rape case or rape report or disclosure of rape which has been rejected as being a real rape. This description is often used without any proof that the report or disclosure is false.

Someone using this term might say, "She invited him in for coffee so this is clearly a false rape case."

Gray Rape
Term popularized by Laura Sessions Stepp in a Cosmo magazine article and elsewhere to dismiss or blame victims for rapes committed by a date or friend which cannot be labelled as a false rape since the victim didn't consent.

This term is a lighter version of false rape where the victim isn't considered a liar but the rapist is not viewed as a real rapist. She got raped, but he isn't a rapist.

See: Wimpy victims of gray rape responsible for all rapes that follow

Real Rape
Term usually used as a way to deny the validity of some rapes.

As in: "Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely against all real rapes. But this victim cannot be a real rape victim. She went to his place willingly and he didn't pull a gun or a knife on her. If she didn't want sex she could have escaped."

Definitions Related to Rape Cases

Cry Rape
Term used to describe someone who reported rape. Usually demeans the person who reported rape by either implying that the report is false or by making that allegation directly.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Legal standard used in some countries, but considered by many to be unjust since the defendant is the one who has the legal burden of proof to show innocence.

This legal term is often misapplied when popular opinion goes against a rape suspect or defendant. The claim that for rape cases we have a system of guilty until proven innocent allows people to falsely claim that dropped charges or an acquittal are proof of innocence.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Legal standard used in the US and other countries where the person arrested has the legal status of innocent until that person pleads guilty or is convicted in a criminal trial based on the prosecution having proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This term is often twisted to justify calling rape victims liars if their rapists haven't been convicted of rape which ignores the fact that material guilt comes through committing rape not being convicted of rape.

Recanted Allegation
Term used to describe a confession made by an alleged rape victim. Often is used to describe any statement by an alleged victim about not wanting to prosecute. Like any confession, a recantation can be inaccurate and obtained through coercion or threats.