f you know each other's real names, you can credibly claim to be just having an affair rather than engaging in P4P. You have to decide the risk/benefit calculation for yourself.  

On the other hand, if you travel together, there is no avoiding disclosing real name information even if you try to on either end. It will come out accidentally if not intentionally.

What kids twisted their real name into as a silly insult in elementary school, and call them that. (eg. Bobbie Smith = Boobie Sniff)

The exception is when they go UTR / retire. The relationship becomes more like a FWB or Sugar with more time spent in public,  so real names are appropriate.  

That said,  I sometimes hang out with an ex-stripper who retired more than 5 years ago.  She often refers to her friends by their old stage names even though I know them all by real names. Maybe because that's how we met.

I always use her professional name.  In cases where a friendship developed with a provider and we were doing friend-type activities, I’ve used her real name. It helps me keep the two worlds separate.

...I find myself stuttering and ultimately using her stage name. I prefer that. Maybe it's like girlfan1959 said- if I continue using her stage name it's still a fantasy and "not real" in my mind. It's also less confusing to keep only one name in my brain, lol.

I’ve always assumed what’s out if their mouths is a lie. Women and women no matter what they do.

Mongering is fantasy fucking.  If a provider looks like some famous woman I'd like to bang, say Nicole Aniston, I'd tell her and ask if I could call her Nicole.  I've run across several providers that go by the name Barbie.  I've never banged a plastic doll shorter than my dick nor have had the fantasy to do so.  I have to change that name or risk my imagination keeping the wood from sprouting.  I've yet to have a provider deny my name assignment.  It probably makes their job easier.