nonmonogamous

Dating several people

Nonmonogamous describes relationships or people not limited to one romantic or sexual partner at a time.

The term covers various arrangements—open relationships, polyamory, swinging—where partners agree that exclusivity isn't required: They've been nonmonogamously married for years.

Often used as an identity label: I'm nonmonogamous.

relationships

polyamory

Consensual multiple romantic relationships

swingingMoving in arcs
polyculeConnected polyamorous partners
triadGroup of three

quad · vee · hinge · primary · secondary · comet · throuple

communication

honesty

Truthfulness, sincerity

transparencyState of being see-through
disclosureAct of revealing information
boundariesLines marking separation

negotiation · check-ins · trust · dialogue · clarity · openness · feedback · articulation · scheduling · processing

consent

agreement

Shared position between parties

boundariesLines marking separation
autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord

voluntary · mutuality · veto · renegotiation · disclosure · revocable

autonomy

freedom

Absence of constraint

self-determinationControl over one's fate
independenceFreedom from external control
individualityUnique personal character

nontraditional · unconventional · self-expression · choice · empowerment · flexibility · exploration · experimentation · non-hierarchical

Opposites

relationship exclusivity

nonmonogamousmonogamous

Mated to one only

exclusive · faithful · devoted · loyal · paired

Family

polygamy, bigamy, monogamy, monogamous, polygamous, monogamist, bigamous, monogamists, monogamously

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG-13