Cougar. MILF. Lolita. Nymphet. Chihuahua. Heard of these? Know any? Sure you do. You might even be involved with one. Whether you like it or not, these are only a few of the terms used to describe women of a certain age – which may be older or younger than what's considered appropriate to date men of a certain age. Their relationships and peccadilloes elicit stares, raised eyebrows, knowing looks. But while they're all mighty common, it's the older women who get most of the flack.

Never ones to miss an opportunity, Web creatives have identified multiple "hunting grounds" of sorts: they're marketed as toyboys, dating freedom, and such. My mother, whom I often mention, was an ardent feminist and is likely rolling in her grave.

I am not yet in cougar country but it might be suggested I am approaching "Puma" land -- that would be a cougar in training - and should I ever be on the dating scene anew, I wonder how many old farts or young bucks I'd approach. Certain women of my acquaintance, still uncoupled and un-babied, find themselves dating younger men for sport...mostly because they can't seem to find a suitable mate and have grown frustrated with what's available to them. But they're stigmatized for this in a way a man would never be.

Oddly, I have no problem being seen as a MILF, but recently stopped short of wearing a shirt that said same -- good sense prevailed. But a cougar? No thanks. "American Pie" made the MILF famous, though "The Graduate's" Mrs. Robinson was an earlier interchangeable "cougar" character in film. In 2007, someone made a wretched film called "Cougar Club." The term has become so common, even the AARP, that venerable organization, started refering it to describe their members. This made even me queasy.

On the other hand, why is it that "modelizer" is the worst term fashion could come up with for predatory men who fund foreign young working girls' good times and often corrupt them? "Sugar Daddy" sounds kind of fun and sexy. What's the difference between one of those, and a cougar? Hint: the almighty "third leg", and a sexist tradition. I think it's time for some new vocabulary. Got any new terms to share?