ME and my friends all play dares at school and IÕm getting worried because they start going on about bjs or bgs Ð something like that Ð and I donÕt know what it is.

And another thing, when they start going on about snogging, I have to chicken out because I donÕt know how and I donÕt know the difference between French kissing and snogging, and is a hickey a love bite?

Alice, aged 13

REPLY: Lots of young people find themselves in the same situation as you Ð hearing words that they donÕt understand but not saying anything because they donÕt want to seem babyish or uncool.

It is so much better to do what youÕve done and ask someone what they mean Ð that way youÕre not left feeling confused and a bit isolated.

You can also look up words on the internet or in books: One of the best sources of information on sex for young people is the www.likeitis.org.uk website, which offers clear information and a Dear Doctor service for answering detailed questions on sex-related issues.

When your friends talk about ÔbjsÕ, they probably mean blow jobs Ð using mouth and tongue to stimulate a partner's genitals. You can out find more information about blow jobs on the LikeItIs site by clicking on ÔsexÕ.

As far as snogging goes, well snogging just means straightforward, mouth-to-mouth kissing. And French kissing is snogging when you put your tongue in the other personÕs mouth. ThereÕs no big secret to how you snog or French kiss Ð people in a relationship usually use a combination of both and just do what they think feels nice and right to them, so donÕt worry about the details too much.

Lastly, yes, a hickey is a love bite. A love bite is basically a small bruise, often on a personÕs neck, where theyÕve been kissed hard.

If you have more questions or need advice on issues related to sex, then you can always call the Sexwise helpline on 0800 28 29 30. This is a free, confidential service, set up specially for young people, where someone will give you advice over the phone on anything related to sex or relationships. ItÕs open between 7am and midnight every day.

Sexwise also has a good website with information on sex-related topics and links to other useful websites for young people. The website address is www.ruthinking.co.uk.

A final piece of advice: ItÕs fun to play dares, and lots of people do, but donÕt feel under pressure to do things just because other people are. Make up your own mind what you want to do and what you feel comfortable doing and stick by your decision, whatever people say.

Tell them that you just donÕt want to join in on that particular dare. At the end of the day, you are actually showing that you are a strong person by following your own judgement and your friends will recognise that in time Ð and admire you for it Ð even if they donÕt straight away.