No, there's nothing wrong with dabbling. Swinging is what each and every individual involved makes of it, for themselves.
However, there is one underlying characteristic that should be shared by all involved in swinging (regardless of the degree of their participation), and that's an understanding that it will be different for everyone and just because it's not right for me, doesn't mean it's not right for others.
You never have to understand the why's and how's of what others do, but striving for a nonjudgmental attitude towards others and what "gets them off" or "does it for them", whether it's something you could ever see yourself doing or not, is something that is vital in swinging.
I'm not sure you have this understanding...yet, as the following statements seem (to me) as if you do judge people as being wrong and/or bad for going beyond what you think is appropriate.
What you described above could very well have been me. What's wrong with making out with different people throughout the night? Does assuming this lady was "single" make it a bit more appropriate to you? There's nothing wrong with saying, "That's not for me",...what's wrong is sneering down you nose at someone and thinking less of them because they choose to go further than you. You never have to participate in anything you don't want to, but do realize that there are those out there that will and do go beyond what you think is okay and it's perfectly okay and right for them.
two4youinswva pretty much covered my feelings on this statement.
I'm glad you've learned that there are many different levels of swinging; however, here again...."aren't picky enough", "too loose", "blinders on"....you may have learned about the differences, but you haven't gotten to the point where you understand that there's NOTHING WRONG with those differences.
So, in other words...dabble if you want, be too picky or not picky enough if you want...it's about what makes you and your husband happy. Just remember don't think that because others go further than you could ever imagine yourself doing, that they are wrong or bad people for doing so...they're not, they are doing what they think/feel is right for them.
Teresa