I think it does depend to a large extent on how you are brought up and your peer group.

Men, in the company of other men, might well indulge in 'banter' but if a female joins their company, the majority of men will stop doing so. They have no intention of offending women.

A smaller number of men will indulge in 'banter' in mixed company. If they know the females that are present, they might well think the women don't mind it, based on past experience. I doubt if they ever asked the women if they liked it or not. The women might well just put up with it rather than being seen to make a fuss.

Men directing 'banter' at strangers is another matter. Some do it to impress their mates, fit in with the group etc. Some might do it in order to attract the attention of the women, showing they are some sort of cheeky chappy and that will impress the woman. For others it is an act of aggression directed at the woman but excused as 'banter'. The fact is that in all three cases there is a level of aggression involved. It is directed at strangers so they have no idea as to how they will react.

I mentioned Mickey Flanagan on the brexit thread. He is an east end (of London) comic. His radio show is being repeated on BBC Radio 4 Extra at the moment.

Last week he was doing a bit about going out with his mates etc. He said he might be indulging in 'banter' with them as usual but if his sister walked in the pub he would say "that's my sister, that's my sister" in order to stop his mates making any comments about her.

He was talking about the 70s and 80s. His show is a mix of his routines and chatting to his mates and family about those times. He chats to his sister about it too. Worth a listen.