On the basis of the case material presented, this article suggests that there are at least four routes by which children may become eroticized. The case studies suggest that nonsexually abused children can manifest an increase in erotic behavior on the basis of unusually intense, but nonabusive sexual experiences or as part of a compulsion. Sexual behavior that is secondary to abuse can be related to post-traumatic stress disorder or intense and prolonged sexual experience. Hypererotic behavior secondary to a long-term molestation is the most frequently encountered entity. Sexual behavior that is secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder or that stems from nonabusive experience is seen less frequently. True sexual compulsions are rare. 1 table and 47 references