Polyamory means having multiple romantic relationships at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. An open relationship is a relationship where the parties are free to take new partners. The terms both fall under the heading of “ethical non-monogamy,” but they are not synonymous.

Is a polyamorous relationship an open relationship?

Often, polyamory is considered the same as an open relationship - however, that is not necessarily the case, although both are considered non-monogamous. With polyamory, the point is to have multiple relationships - as love and emotional connections are the driving forces.

What is the difference between open relationship and relationship?

It is easy to see a relationship based upon trust, love, and loyalty whereas in an open relationship there is acceptance of sexual relations of partner. In a relationship, both partners have each other as a sex partner exclusively whereas both agree to have other casual sex relations in an open relationship.

What is a open relationship called?

Another name for an open relationship is “consensual non-monogamy.” Both parties agree that a relationship is non-monogamous. “Non-monogamy,” “polyamory,” and “polyamorous relationship” also refer to an open relationship. “Polygamy” refers to having more than one spouse at the same time.