Legally Not So Legal

My current financial situation has me wondering: just how legal is it to be an independent escort? And what exactly is the difference between an independent escort and a prostitute? And does all this revolve around sex, because I don't want to have sex. And maybe this is just me feeling myself, but I would totally pay to hang out with me if I was a man. I am fun and entertaining. Guys, there is literally not a dull moment in my presence! I feel like that should be at least worth $20.
A random white man I met at a coffee shop told me that the difference is that escorts aren't expected to have sex and they get a bodyguard. However, if they do decide to have sex, that's cool. That's not included in the money paid for the date. That's just what she wanted to do. A prostitute is solely expected to have sex. There is no dinner and a movie in her crystal ball, just a night at a sleazy motel.
But my question is this: if I am on the corner, looking for Johns and I am a prostitute, how does a cop know that I'm not just an independent escort, waiting outside the Fox Theater to advertise, like when party promoters give out fliers?
Fran is for it. I believe her exact words were, "This could be a lucrative entrepreneurial venture for yourself." However, that is not saying much. Fran co-signs all my craziness.
More on this story as it develops.