ENM Glossary

Anchor Partner

A partner who provides stability and grounding in someone's life, often a primary or nesting partner.

Closed/Polyfidelitous

A relationship structure where partners are committed to each other exclusively within the defined group.

Compersion

The feeling of joy from seeing a partner happy with another person; sometimes called "the opposite of jealousy."

Consent

Freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific agreement to participate in an activity.

Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM)

An umbrella term for relationship styles where all parties consent to having multiple romantic or sexual connections.

Fluid Bonding

The decision to not use barrier protection with a specific partner, usually after STI testing and discussion.

Hierarchical Polyamory

A polyamorous structure where some relationships are designated as more important than others (primary, secondary, etc.).

Kitchen Table Polyamory

A style where all partners and metamours are comfortable spending time together, like sitting around a kitchen table.

Metamour

Your partner's other partner; someone you're connected to through a shared partner but not dating yourself.

Nesting Partner

A partner you live with, sharing domestic responsibilities and space.

New Relationship Energy (NRE)

The excitement, infatuation, and heightened emotions experienced in a new romantic connection.

Non-Hierarchical Polyamory

A structure where no relationships are prioritized above others; decisions are made based on circumstances.

Open Relationship

A relationship where partners agree they can have sexual or romantic relationships with others.

Parallel Polyamory

A style where partners have separate relationships that don't interact; metamours may not meet.

Polycule

The network of people connected through polyamorous relationships.

Polyamory

The practice of having multiple loving, romantic relationships simultaneously with everyone's knowledge and consent.

Primary Partner

In hierarchical structures, the partner considered most significant, often involving shared finances or living.

Relationship Anarchy

A philosophy that rejects relationship hierarchy; all connections are valued equally without predefined rules.

Secondary Partner

In hierarchical structures, a partner who may have less time, commitment, or entanglement than a primary.

Solo Polyamory

Practicing polyamory while prioritizing autonomy and not seeking a primary/nesting partnership.

Swinging

A form of ENM typically focused on recreational sex with others, often as a couple-centered activity.

Throuple/Triad

A romantic relationship involving three people who are all in relationships with each other.

Unicorn

A bisexual person (often a woman) who joins an existing couple; "unicorn hunting" can be problematic.

V/Vee

A relationship structure where one person (the hinge) has two partners who are not romantically involved with each other.

Veto Power

The ability for one partner to end another partner's relationship; controversial in ENM communities.