[hrench]

Curious which the OP thinks should be the standard?

I'm under the impression that the 'right' thing to do is, like many posters here before, to watch the body language of the recipient and then do what they're expecting.

As a man of 50, I was taught that you don't extend to shake a lady's hand, at an introduction, instead you watch her and if she begins to put her hand out, then you shake. I've made my four daughters aware of this, so they will actually know what to expect from men my age in business.

And yes, I believe the best bet, even today, is to watch the other person.
Also, there are lots of different kinds of hugs. Let the other person decide.