One-night stand

A performance for one night only. The OED defines a 'stand' in the theatrical sense as a halt on a tour to give a performance. Hence a one-night stand, is a one-night performance before the show moves on. In this theatrical sense, the OED gives a date from 1896. As a description of a one-night sexual liaison, the expression dates from the late 1950s. It is perhaps a sign of the times that this has become the prevalent usage.