Quid pro quo is the legal term for when a supervisor demands sexual favors of a subordinate as a condition of getting or keeping a job benefit. Such demands are illegal, regardless of whether the sexual favors occur or any negative action is taken against the employee. The gender of the supervisor and subordinate does not matter.

A hostile work environment arises when a co-worker, supervisor, or client engages in unwelcome and inappropriate sexually based behavior, rendering the workplace atmosphere intimidating, hostile, or offensive. The conduct can be by and against both men and women and does not have to be a result of sexual attraction or even from someone of the opposite sex.