Romantic Orientation
Updated:Romantic orientation refers to the pattern of romantic attraction an individual experiences towards others, regardless of sexual attraction. It describes the gender(s) or gender identities a person is romantically attracted to, which may or may not align with their sexual orientation. Romantic attraction often involves the desire for emotional intimacy, partnership, and romantic gestures, but doesn't necessarily include sexual desire.
Additional Information
Romantic orientations can be diverse, including but not limited to:
- Heteroromantic: Romantically attracted to the opposite gender
- Homoromantic: Romantically attracted to the same gender
- Biromantic: Romantically attracted to two or more genders
- Panromantic: Romantically attracted to all genders
- Aromantic: Experiencing little to no romantic attraction
It's important to note that romantic and sexual orientations can be fluid and may change over time. Some individuals may experience a split between their romantic and sexual orientations, such as being homosexual but heteroromantic.
Examples
A person who identifies as asexual but experiences romantic attraction to multiple genders might describe themselves as "asexual panromantic"
Someone who is sexually attracted to all genders but only romantically attracted to women might identify as "pansexual heteroromantic"