How do polyamorous people define if they are in a relationship, not just dating?

[chiquita]

What exactly is the definition, for example, how would you define poly relationship meaning?

[lexus]

In polyamorous relationships, the lines can sometimes seem a bit blurrier than in monogamous ones, but poly folks have their ways of defining and understanding their relationships. Just like in any relationship, it's about the mutual understanding and agreements between the people involved. Here's how it often works:

*Communication, Communication, Communication: This is the golden rule in polyamory. Poly folks tend to have very open and ongoing discussions about their feelings, expectations, and the status of their relationships. When it comes to distinguishing between "just dating" and being in a "relationship," it usually comes down to explicit conversations where partners will discuss and define their connection.

*Defining the Relationship (DTR): Similar to monogamous relationships, polyamorous people might have a "define the relationship" conversation. This is where everyone involved talks about what they want and how they view each other. Just casual? Looking for something long-term? This is where they figure it all out.

*Understanding of Commitment: In polyamory, commitment doesn't necessarily mean exclusivity. It's more about the level of emotional investment, responsibilities, and future planning. A relationship might be defined by moving in together, sharing finances, or just a mutual agreement that they are in a significant, ongoing partnership.

*Labels (or Lack Thereof): Polyamorous people might use different labels than "boyfriend" or "girlfriend." Some use terms like "partner," "nesting partner," or "primary/secondary." These labels can help in defining the nature and seriousness of the relationships. But like the label-less relationships, some poly folks might not use any labels at all, relying instead on the mutual understanding of their dynamic.

*Individual Boundaries and Rules: Many polyamorous relationships have specific rules or boundaries that the people involved agree upon. When these rules are more in line with what you'd expect in a committed relationship (like co-parenting, long-term planning, etc.), it might signal a shift from 'dating' to 'in a relationship'.

*Emotional Depth and Time Investment: The emotional depth of the connection and the amount of time and energy invested in each other are also key indicators. A more casual dating scenario might be more about fun and less about emotional support and integration into each other's lives.

Remember, polyamory can look very different from one group or individual to another.

[Summeroflove]

A lot of people in kink communities. They really just have to do worse and worse stuff to get off. There isn’t really any love. Irs just sexual lust and outside of that it lacks substance at best. At worst there is serious abuse

[mandyfire98]

My poly relationship is I have a boyfriend and a girlfriend. They both share me. They don't hook up at all.

He is fine with me having a relationship with women and only women.

She is fine with me having a boyfriend.

My girlfriend has a husband. We all get a long swimmingly.

[FenixG45]

I wish I could have a closed poly arrangement like that!

[Nikki1989]

They are all different. With us, it is just my husband and I and my girlfriend. None of us see anyone else.

[FenixG45]

I like the intimacy of your closed arrangement!

[Kaneki05]

Most people have rules at least. Such as you shouldn't lie about who you've been with and shouldn't be trying to find someone to replace you etc.
The boundaries are more loose but they aren't fully loose. A good example is you can only love me but you can have sex with anyone you want.
So they don't care about sexual side, they care about the love.

[DannyUk2017]

Relationship=👉👌
Dating=👉👌
So there is no serious commitment there.
One will crack sooner or later. 🤷‍♂️
Jealousy will make its way, and Anger/Hatred also!

[Tim2nice]

Any romantic/sexual relationship between more than 2 people is a polygamous relationship.

[Astarlessnightsky]

The same way others define it. At some point someone asks if they are in a relationship, and the other (s) reply, "well i guess..."

[Nifrayu]

Pretty much the same way monogamous people do. The only difference is they can be in a relationship with more than one person.

[DextroShade]

"Poly" relationships aren't real relationships unless it is only open on the guy's end.

[FenixG45]

I consider myself poly, and would prefer a closed poly relationship. 2 or more people, ideally 3 or 4, only having sex with each other!

[9214xs]

Depends, the person they're dating they'd likely go back to at the end of the night.

[MaxUsefull]

Definition: bitching