It is difficult for me to answer this question without actually knowing if you are also indicating that there is someone that you are interested in having sex with/have had sex with.

However, I will say that I honestly don't believe it is imperative to be involved in a serious relationship with the person you have sex with. I do, however, think it is important to:

--not have sex with 3248347234 people
--always use protection
--do not put yourself in a potential situation where sex and any type of mind altering substance/liquid/whatever would mix
--realize that "i'll call you tomorrow' does not necessarily mean that he will call you tomorrow. he may never. if you can't handle that type of hurt, don't do it. believe me, it happens. men suck sometimes. that's just reality.

I think it is awesome that you are thinking about this and trying to approach it gracefully, as you put it.