If this helps at all, (no I had no idea what hot means at that time) when I was 12, I never thought I was pretty, or beautiful, or even cute, but I thought I was “hot” bc at that time I took it to mean cool looking.
After I wore my favorite jacket, I was like I look cool, and I didn’t think I was pretty or anything, so I was like I’m not pretty, but I think I look cool, and so I was like I’m not pretty but I think I look hot (not knowing what it meant at that time) Cuz who do tweens see being described as hot? The guy who does “cool” things like ride a motorcycle, be himself, not afraid to take risks. The girl who is not afraid to dress how she thinks looks good, “looks good and knows it” is confident, and not afraid to be herself, and for herself, but is still kind to others
Like let’s look at what hot means when not in regards to people. Exciting, intense, attention-catching. That’s the aura, that’s the vibe.
However hot is used to mean sexy, or sexually attractive as well, and I definitely didn’t mean it that way at 12 lol. I didn’t even know what sex was tbh. And I wouldn’t find anyone hot when used that way
Now pretty. Pretty is milder, and softer like I said. It has a certain vibe, a certain connotation. Delicate. Sitting down, submissive. “Perfect” if perfect is defined in this very strict way. it’s not just looking really good and def not being a good person
this is the actual definition of pretty
this is what I mean by it’s a softer and milder compliment. It doesn’t have as much behind it, as much feeling
hot can also be used in a objectifying for sure
but pretty can also be used condescendingly, even cute can.
As for being used in a way where the receiving person isn’t being seen fully as a person, both can be used that way
both can be genuine compliments as well
im sorry you were objectified