Terms Used in Non-Monogamy Lifestyles (This glossary includes terms and slang specific to polyamory and swinging lifestyles.) Bisexual / Bi - Tendency to have sexual desire toward both sexes. (Swinger slang: "AC/DC", "Versatile".) Cheating - Sexual activity outside the relationship without the knowledge and consent of all parties. Commitment - A pledge or promise taken by two or more partners, often in reference to long-course action or a promise to refrain from specific activities. Condom Commitment - A promise made by partners to refrain from having unprotected sex with individuals outside the relationship. Couple - Two individuals who are in a primary relationship or marriage. Closed Marriages - Marriages with no outer emotional or sexual relations. "Closed" may apply to both groups or couples. Closed Swinging - Sexual interaction among couples using separate rooms so that the partners of the marriage/relationship do not observe each other's sexual activity. Cuddle Parties - Not sexual in nature, usually a group of individuals who meet to explore non-sexual touch and affection. Discretion - Asking those who call or otherwise communicate to exercise caution so that others (such as children or co-workers) who may be at a location or answer the phone will not be offended or made aware of an individual's lifestyle. Expanded Family - The decision for three or more people to choose each other as family, but do not necessarily share a residence. Family - A group of individuals sharing a residence. Fluid Partners - Partners who engage in the exchange of body fluids, such as condom-free intercourse. Friends With Benefits - Phrase used to describe a casual and uncommitted relationship between two individuals who occasionally have sex together. Fun & Games - A euphemism for sex among swingers. Group Marriage / Group Relationship - A marriage or relationship involving multiple partners. Group Sex / Orgy - Social-sexual activity between three or more people. Growth Swinging - Social-sexual environment that expands into promoting emotional and personal growth. Hard Core / Hard Swinging - A swing party or event where participation in sexual activity is expected. Hedonist - Euphemism for a swinger. Heterosexual / Straight - Having sexual desire only toward the opposite sex. Hinge - A person "in the middle" of a three-partner relationship who is more closely bonded to each partner than they are to each other. (Example: two straight males with a female partner.) Homosexual / Gay - Having sexual desire only toward the same sex. Host - A person who provides a place for meetings and/or sexual activity. Indoor Sports - Slang for general swinging activities. Mixed Relationship / Eclectic Relationship - A relationship that has both heterosexual and homosexual partners, or that has more than one race/culture. Monogamy - Having only one spouse or partner in a committed relationship at one time. Non-Monogamy - Any relationship that allows for more than one sexual partner, including polyamory and swinging. Off-Premise - In swing party events, refers to a venue that is strictly a social area for meeting other members and sexual activity is not allowed. On-Premise - In swing party events, refers to a venue where there are areas designated for sexual activity. Open Marriage / Open Relationship - Allows for committed partners to have sexual partners outside the marriage or relationship. Playmate / Play Partner - An individual seen primarily for sex, similar to "friends with benefits". Polyamory - Having more than one romantic or committed relationship at a time. Polyandry - Having more than one husband/male partner at a time. Polyfidelity - In polyamory, a group of all-primary partners who practice fidelity within the group. Polygamy - Having more than one spouse at a time. Polygyny - Having more than one wife / female partner at a time. Primary Partner / Primary Relationship - The closest type of relationship, used to describe the person(s) who are given the most priority by way of time, intimacy, and commitment. Pro - A prostitute, someone who expects money for sex. Quad - A polyamorous relationship involving four partners. Secondary Partner / Secondary Relationship - Intimate partners who are not as strongly bonded as a Primary Partner/Relationship. Spice - Term sometimes used as the pleural of spouse. Swapping - Generally used to describe the practice of two committed couples temporarily exchanging partners for recreational sex. Swinger Club / Private Club / Social Club - An organization or company that arranges swing parties and other services for its members. Swing Party - A gathering of couples and individuals in the swinging lifestyle for either meeting new partners or engaging in group sex activity. Swinging / Swinger - Relationship lifestyle where partners engage in sex with others with the focus being on sexual pleasure instead of emotional. Recreational sex outside of a relationship. Tertiary Partner / Tertiary Relationship - Denotes the third in rank of importance and intimacy. Tertiary partners are often people who get together on occasion and share some level of emotional involvement. Triad - A relationship involving three partners. Triangle - A three-person relationship where all sides are treated equally by way of emotional and intimacy. Vee - A three-person relationship where one partner (See "Hinge") shares a closer relationship with each of the other partners than they do with one another. Zee - A four-person relationship where two individuals are sexual and two are not, often residing in the same home. |
|
|
Live Advice Service
Live advice for Non-Monogamy, Swingers, Polyamory, and other sexual practices.
|
Home >
Definitions |