ALWAYS trust Levin to be precise with his wording - he is absolutely correct, it fits the legal definition of rape. Key word = penetration. Language IS important, so do please make an effort to spend about 15 seconds on duck duck go before opining, if you're not familiar with the topic.  (Also, given that you pointed out how important language is, you've left a dangling "so" without a closing "that" - "Language is so important" THAT IT MUST BE DEPLOYED RESPONSIBLY. fify) PER THE LAW (which thankfully is not dependent on prevailing popular opinion): Sexual assault = any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the recipient. Rape = sexual assault that involves any sort of penetration. Mr. Levin has written The Book on many legal topics, is an eminent Constitution scholar, and never minces words.