B-girl, bag, bawd, bimbo, blower, broad, camp follower, cat, chicken, chippie, concubine, courtesan, fallen woman, floozy, harlot, hooker, hostess, hustler, loose woman, model, moll, painted woman, party girl, pickup, pink pants, pro, scarlet woman, slut, streetwalker, strumpet, tart, tomato, tramp, trollop, white slave, whore, working girl, call girl, lady of the evening, lady of the night, slut, streetwalker, woman of easy virtue, woman of the town, fancy lady, lady in red, lady of pleasure, lady of the evening.
There are all kinds of providers available. Everyone is equal, but everyone's business is different.
Generally speaking, a modern courtesan is a provider who is more exclusive and sees few selected gentleman each week or even each month. She usually holds an advanced degree and is quite cultured, able to discuss and partake in art, theatre, travel, etc. She is often gainfully employed outside of the business.
Behind closed doors activities are just one of her talents. The others include conversation, charm, wit, the ability to be on your arm at a black-tie event and convince your colleagues, friends and family that she absolutely adores you.
She usually has a higher rate and a time minimum of at least two hours. She wants an intellectual connection not just a "Hi, how are ya? Let's get this party started cuz we only have 55 minutes left." Her business is more like having affairs (mutually satisfying, she earns money and he gets to keep his family and/or his freedom) with a number of men rather than lots of friends with benefits.
I would say that a true modern day courtesan is not that different from a courtesan from long ago. Of course, some women choose to use the word courtesan because it sounds better than provider or paid companion. It's up to the client to read between the lines and figure out if she is the type of companion that he desires regardless of what she calls herself.
This is my point of view, of course. Perhaps more will chime in.
Kate
you have to understand that a lot of the lingo is just hype and marketing, like when you go to a historic district and all the stores say: Ye Olds Shoppe, but inside everything is made in Korea, etc.
Relying on the reviews is still your best bet.
Agreed. 
"Of course, some women choose to use the word courtesan because it sounds better than provider or paid companion. It's up to the client to read between the lines and figure out if she is the type of companion that he desires regardless of what she calls herself."
Kate
I think Kate's description is on the money. Now the question would be is the provider a true courtesan or as has been implied, just another marketing tool.
I have been coined a courtesan or American Geisha and I believe those who have seen me would agree. I am well educated, well traveled, up on current events, have been in the corporate world and currently am in the entertainment industry as a singer/songwriter performer.
I have been on week long cruises with clients and their extended families, weekend get-a-ways and the like. I take great pride in the service I offer and see only a select amount of clients a month.
I am sure there are others who fit the bill as well but I take personal pride in the fact I am labled a courtesan. My own opinion is that a courtesan goes beyond the term GFE. - Lia
-- Modified on 11/1/2006 5:06:45 PM
Kate has done a fabulous job of noting all the details you should take into consideration. But, one of my lovely gents found me from a TER search with only 'high ranking' reviews~ which might put you quickly in the proper place of real ourtesan's...if that is what your looking for.
We strive to do our best, not only for us, but also so our gent's shine!
My ATF is a true courtesan, and provides a GFE+ experience with companionship, conversation, talent and so much more. Our recent six days together still haunts my dreams...can't wait to do it again.
