LE is not much interested in marginal.  Sex acts for money is illegal (in most US jurisdictions).  LE wants a clear offer & acceptance (or they'll lie and say there was) & it's an easy case.
skb

I have seen may posts on LE..The question is..if you set up an appointment based on an ad for an erotic massage, would not that be an entrapment? I am surprised this has not been mentioned?

So how do we resolve the issue..If a vice squad posts an ad on BP and you show up is it not entrapment?
Is it always safe when a provider has been reviewed on TER? Is it some seal of approval for legitimacy for TER members?

The legal board will handle the topic better, but you won't get far with that defense.  Entrapment is when they get you to do something you wouldn't have done, not providing you an opportunity to do something you wanted to do.

Absolutely agree there is no way of making this hobby totally risk free.  The guides & suggestions you find here are intended to minimize the risk, but all of us know it can never eliminate it.  
 
When I started, I promised myself that I'd never do anything stupid.  But as I learned, I found that I was relying too much on "luck".  Luck is not a plan.  As I have realized the better plans, I have integrated them to fit my circumstances.

YOU have to do your home work.  Read the self help section, and then read it again.  Read back on this board until you can answer every question yourself.  Read the other boards for general knowledge.  
No one can do this for you.  Even if we could, you have to filter the information in light of your own circumstances.  

This is not for everyone.  If you don't want to do the work, then perhaps this is not for you.  It's not for everyone.  No shame in that.  

Once you learn how to go about it...  you should read reviews to select ladies of interest.  For that you need VIP.  You can research some & save a bucket list...  then renew VIP when you run out.  VIP costs less than even one spoiled date.  

Since you are concerned about LE, as you should be.  You should know there are also many more rip offs & scams designed to part you with your money.  Well reviewed ladies don't scam, upsell, etc.

You must decide if you want to put the effort into this, to do it right.
skb

you're going to be arrested. They will do whatever it takes, forget about the entrapment defense

I think the first part of your question has been answered.  The second, re TER, is, no, it's not always safe and it's no seal of approval.  But it's the best protection you'll get in this uncertain world.  If you're going to play, you're going to have to accept some risk.

So, just to follow up on your suggestions (which are great, by the way), what plans do you integrate (if you don't mind me asking). I'm new as well, but I'm trying to be smart...like you said doing my research, signing up for VIP, making a bucket list, etc. What other kinds of research do you recommend?  

What about P411?  Are you a member?  Doesn't that make sense?

And those well reviewed ladies?  Not LE I want to "assume" but I dint feel like getting busted over an assumption. But if you've got a provider with many reviews, does that tend to relax you a bit?

Providers want to screen us for their safety (totally agree and understand) but are there any other means of screening them?

Thanks for taking care of us newbies!

If the Masseuse is not licenced, the massage itself is illegal- that's how they try to control AMP's.

If the ad hints that its an erotic massage, ie involve sexual contact, its illegal, even if its just a hand job.

The only way massages are 'safer' is if the girl is a Certified Massage Therapist, and she works clothed, and the ad hints in only the very most coy way of anything erotic '..you will be fully relieved of all stress...', then that ad is not a solicitation and has a very low chance of being LE.  Any ad that says erotic massage, Body Rub, happy ending, mutual massage etc is solicitation and is illegal, and LE may solicit you, and 'entrapment' as a defense is only a myth.