Blog

21 Words You Should Know Going Into Polyamory

2022-08-05

21 Words You Should Know Going Into Polyamory

Polyamory is often misunderstood. People assume that it's all about sex, when in reality, it's so much more than that. If you're considering open relationship structures, or are already in one, there are certain terms you should know. Here are 21 words you need to know going into polyamory.

Polyamory - This is the umbrella term for any type of relationship structure that involves more than two people. It can involve anything from casual hookups to long-term committed relationships.

Open relationship - An open relationship is one where both partners are free to date and hook up with other people. There are no restrictions on who either person can see or sleep with.

Monogamy - Monogamy is a relationship structure where both partners are committed to only each other. This is the most common relationship structure and is what most people think of when they hear the word "relationship."

Cheating - Cheating is when one person in a relationship breaks the rules or boundaries that have been set by their partner. This can involve anything from physical intimacy with someone outside of the relationship to emotional cheating (talking to someone else about things you shouldn't be).

Consent - Consent is when all parties involved in a sexual encounter agree to what is going to happen. It's important to make sure that everyone involved is on the same page and comfortable with the situation before proceeding.

Sneakyarchy- A relationship in which one or more partners secretly date or hook up with someone outside of the relationship without the knowledge or consent of the other partner(s).

Compersion- The feeling of happiness and joy that comes from seeing your partner happy with someone else. This is the opposite of jealousy and is often experienced by people in polyamorous relationships.

New relationship energy (NRE)- The feeling of excitement and infatuation that comes with starting a new relationship. This can often be intense and can sometimes lead to people making rash decisions.

Polyfidelity- A relationship structure in which all parties involved are committed to only each other and are not allowed to date or hook up with anyone outside of the relationship.

Swinging- A type of relationship in which couples swap partners with other couples in order to have sexual encounters. This is often done in a casual and non-committed way.

Threesome- A sexual encounter between three people. This can be done with two people of the same gender and one person of a different gender, or vice versa. It can also be done with all three people of the same gender.

Polybombing- The act of suddenly and without warning bringing up the topic of polyamory in a relationship that is not currently polyamorous. This is often done in an attempt to change the relationship dynamic.

Polygamy- A relationship structure in which one person has multiple spouses. This is most often seen in cultures where men are allowed to have more than one wife.

One-penis policy- A relationship rule in which a person in a relationship with multiple people is not allowed to have sexual encounters with anyone outside of the relationship. This is often put in place in order to prevent jealousy and insecurity.

Secondary- A partner who is not as invested in the relationship as the primary partner. This can be due to a number of factors, such as time commitment or emotional connection.

Primary- A partner who is more invested in the relationship than the secondary partner. This can be due to a number of factors, such as time commitment or emotional connection.

Metamour- A partner's partner. This can be used to describe a relationship between two people who are not romantically or sexually involved with each other, but who are in a relationship with someone who is.

Vee- A relationship structure in which three people are all romantically and/or sexually involved with each other. This can be done with all three people of the same gender, or with two people of the same gender and one person of a different gender.

Triad- A relationship structure in which three people are all romantically and/or sexually involved with each other. This can be done with all three people of the same gender, or with two people of the same gender and one person of a different gender.

Quad- A relationship structure in which four people are all romantically and/or sexually involved with each other. This can be done with all four people of the same gender, or with two people of the same gender and two people of a different gender.

Understanding the meanings of these words will make it much easier for you to immerse yourself in the subject of Polyamory. If you and your partner have decided to try this type of relationship, or if you are alone and looking for like-minded people, it is best to use one of the dating sites, where there are usually a lot of participants who share the same interests.

Author profile

Jacob Horan

Dating blogger

Jacob Horan is a charismatic dating blogger sharing practical insights and relatable experiences to guide readers in navigating the modern world of romance.

Others articles on blog

  • From Hookups to Happiness: How Men Can Move On from Their Exes and Find Love Online

    2023-04-30

    From Hookups to Happiness: How Men Can Move On from Their Exes and Find Love Online

    Discover the male psyche and learn why men always think about sleeping with their exes in this eye-opening blog post. From nostalgia to emotional connection, we explore the reasons behind this common desire and provide practical tips for moving on from the past and finding happiness in online dating.

    Ann Adams

    Ann Adams

    Online Dating Expert

    2 min read
  • From Matching to Meeting: Tips for Navigating the Transition from Online to In-Person Dating

    2023-04-15

    From Matching to Meeting: Tips for Navigating the Transition from Online to In-Person Dating

    Learn step-by-step tips for transitioning from online communication to the meeting in person. From matching with a woman on a dating site to moving the conversation offline, making a good impression, and preparing for the first date, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the transition from online to in-person dating successful.

    Ann Adams

    Ann Adams

    Online Dating Expert

    3 min read