It may seem all a bit nit-picky and confusing, but the differences between these two terms is important to understand. Words not only have power in creating and finding community, but they also help keep communication healthy and honest in your relationships. “It’s important to define your relationship with other human beings that you relate to romantically in your life because you need to know where someone’s mind is at,” Stewart says. “Is this temporary for them or do they want to take a trip on the relationship escalator? What are their expectations when they are in a relationship? However, you must start off with yourself and be honest with yourself. Are you a monogamous person or not?” https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/what-is-polyamory-open-relationship-definition