28th February 2025:In an era where love and commitment are constantly evolving so is the language we use to define relationships. While Gen Z has popularized dating terms like “benching” and “love-bombing,” the world of non-monogamy is developing its lexicon—one that reflects the shifting dynamics of modern romance, commitment, and exploration.
Ashley Madison, the world’s leading discreet dating platform, has unveiled a Non-Monogamy Glossary for 2025, identifying key terms that encapsulate the realities of those navigating open relationships, polyamory, and ethical non-monogamy.
From “Swift-Shift”—when a relationship suddenly changes tone (think Love Story to Bad Blood)—to “Monoga-Messy”, a term for couples opening up their marriage without setting clear boundaries, these phrases shed light on the nuances of alternative relationship structures.
Here’s a look at the terms defining modern love in 2025:
The New Language of Non-Monogamy
- Swift-Shift – When a relationship rapidly or unexpectedly changes tone and phases (e.g., moving from Love Story to Bad Blood).
- Ménage-ment – The art of managing a ménage à trois (or more), juggling multiple partners at once.
- Heart-Hopper – Someone who enjoys having multiple romantic connections with less interest in long-term commitment.
- Poly-Peak – The honeymoon phase of a polyamorous relationship.
- Defy-ning Expectations – Choosing the relationship structure that works best for you, despite societal norms (a nod to Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s romance).
- Plunging – Diving headfirst into non-monogamy, mutually exploring new partners at the start of a relationship.
- Monoga-Messy – When a couple opens up their marriage without first establishing clear terms or boundaries.
- Discreet Cute – When you unexpectedly meet an online connection in real life but choose to keep it under wraps.
- Backstepping – Slipping back into non-monogamy after previously deciding to close an open relationship.
- Closed-Door Policy – When a couple who was once open decides to return to full monogamy.
- Swapping Up – When a non-monogamous person’s secondary partner is seen as an “upgrade” from their primary partner.
- Come Out Swinging – Announcing to friends and family that you and your partner are exploring non-monogamy together.
- Swingle – A single person who exclusively engages with couples.
As dating and relationships continue to shift, so does the language we use to describe them. These new terms highlight the fluidity of love and the ways people are redefining commitment beyond traditional monogamy.
With the rise of open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and polyamory, one thing is clear—modern love is more expansive than ever, and it now has the vocabulary to match.