#learnpolyamory

Triad

Quad

Vee

Solo

Polycule

Hierarchical

Anchor Partners

Types of Polyamory: Quad

Some polyamorous couples choose to date other couples together, hoping to find a long-term relationship called a “quad.” In a quad, all partners may have a sexual and romantic relationship with one another, or perhaps only cross-gender partners have a relationship with one another, or any combination of the four people involved. Sometimes there are romantic relationships without sex, particularly when an asexual or graysexual partner is part of a relationship.

Types of Polyamory: Parallel

Parallel poly is when metamours do not interact with one another. If a person in a vee-style relationship has requests or concerns, they discuss those with one partner, who then determines how to navigate the issue with their other partner.

Types of Polyamory: Anchor Partners

Some polyamorous partners define their relationship as an “anchor” or “nesting” partnership, instead of primary. These monikers indicate that hierarchy is not present and all partners are considered equal, while still acknowledging that shared life commitments such as home, finances or children are a factor in defining the relationship.

Types of Polyamory: Polycule

A polycule encompasses everyone on the relationship map, including all of your partners and metamours, whether or not they cohabitate. There may be polycule meetings or discussions to consider decisions which have implications for everyone involved.

Types of Polyamory: Vee

Very commonly in polyamory one person dates two people separately. They are then the “pivot” in a vee style relationship. Their two partners are “metamours” to one another and those two people might never meet, or they may become close friends, but they do not have a romantic relationship.

Types of Polyamory: Triad

Some polyamorous couples choose to date other singles together, seeking a long term partner with which to become a “triad” or “throuple.” Women who are open to dating couples together are often called “unicorns,” due to the popularity of single women in the ENM/CNM community and the difficulty of finding one. Men who are open to dating couples together are sometimes called “dragons.”