Today it's assumed that "virgin" means not having had been penetrated sexually (for girls) or not having penetrated anyone sexually (for boys). But what is considered "de-virginizing" penetration is still unclear – does it mean penetration by a penis, finger, tongue, or expe

Today it's assumed that "virgin" means not having had been penetrated sexually (for girls) or not having penetrated anyone sexually (for boys). But what is considered "de-virginizing" penetration is still unclear – does it mean penetration by a penis, finger, tongue, or experience alone? 

Even more confusing is how society judges a "virgin." Sometimes the name is used condescendingly, sometimes in high regard, and sometimes simply just as a fact. 

Today, the checking for a woman's hymen to determine if she is a virgin is being thrown out as more is understood about the hymen. Not all women are born with hymens, some are born without fully intact hymens, and the membrane is so thin that it often breaks with normal physical activity such as running, gymnastics, or horseback riding.