Index of Terms and Acronyms

Emotional and/or physical support after an intimate or intense experience. Can include reassurance, conversation, or simply reconnecting.

An umbrella term that stands for:
      Bondage
      Discipline
      Dominance
      Submission
      Sadism
      Masochism

Focuses on power dynamics, consent, and negotiated experiences.

Personal limits that define what someone is comfortable with physically, emotionally, and situationally.

A term sometimes used for a single male who engages with couples.

Feeling happiness or satisfaction from your partner’s enjoyment with someone else. Often described as the opposite of jealousy.

Clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement between all parties. Always required. No exceptions.

An umbrella term for relationship styles where all participants agree to multiple connections or experiences.

A dynamic where one partner derives satisfaction from their partner engaging with others. Specific preference—not representative of all lifestyles.

A relationship or dynamic involving power exchange roles.

The dominant partner in a BDSM / D/S dynamic.

Another term for consensual non-monogamy, emphasizing ethics and transparency.

Someone who enjoys being observed in intimate or social situations.

A friendship that includes physical intimacy without a committed romantic relationship.

Non-negotiable boundaries that should never be crossed.

A dynamic where a woman or man engages with others, often with the knowledge or encouragement of her partner.

A dynamic where a woman engages with others, often with the knowledge or encouragement of her partner.

General term referring to participation in swinging or consensual non-monogamy. LS is common shorthand used in communities and online platforms.

Acronyms describing group dynamics:
     MFM = Male–Female–Male
     FMF = Female–Male–Female
     MFF = Male–Female–Female

      MMF = Male–Male–Female

Order doesn’t always indicate interaction—just presence.

Primarily monogamous, with occasional agreed-upon exceptions.

The process of discussing boundaries, expectations, and comfort levels before any experience.

Someone new to the lifestyle.
👐🏻 Everyone starts here.

A relationship where partners agree to engage with others under defined conditions.

Being in the same space as others while playing without direct interaction.

A relationship style involving multiple emotional and/or romantic connections with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.

Full Swap - More open levels of physical interaction between partners and others up to and including penetration

Soft Swap - Limited interaction with others, typically stopping short of penetration

The partner who takes a more yielding role in a power dynamic.

Consensual experiences between couples or individuals, often socially or physically

A single woman (often bisexual) open to engaging with couples.

When couples actively seek a unicorn. The practice be positive or controversial depending on approach and expectations.

Someone who enjoys observing others.