Swingers Sphere Glossary

Swingers Sphere Glossary

 

A

Aftercare refers to the physical and/or emotional support given after sexual activity to help all participants feel safe, cared for, and reconnected. This can include cuddling, verbal reassurance, hydration, or simply spending quiet time together. It’s especially important in intense scenes such as BDSM to ensure everyone leaves the experience feeling respected and emotionally balanced. Example: “After our first scene together, my partner and I spent an hour in aftercare, talking and holding each other.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)


Agender describes a person who does not identify with any gender or considers themselves gender-neutral. Related terms include gender-free, ungendered, or gender-blank. Example: “Jordan identifies as agender and prefers they/them pronouns.”

Androgynosexual refers to a person who experiences sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to individuals with both masculine and feminine traits. Example: “Taylor is androgynosexual, finding attraction in people with a blend of traditionally male and female features.”


Androgynous is a gender expression that blends both masculine and feminine characteristics, whether in appearance, clothing, or mannerisms. Example: “Her androgynous style makes her stand out in any crowd.”


Androsexual describes someone primarily attracted—sexually, romantically, or aesthetically—to masculinity, regardless of the gender of the person displaying those traits. Often used by genderqueer individuals rather than heterosexual or gay individuals. Example: “Chris identifies as androsexual, appreciating masculine features in any gender.”

 
Aromantic refers to a person who does not experience romantic attraction in the traditional sense. They may still have sexual attraction, but romance is not a core aspect of their relationships. Example: “Alex is aromantic and prefers relationships based on friendship and shared activities.”


Asexual individuals do not experience sexual attraction in a traditional sense. Unlike celibacy, which is a choice, asexuality is an inherent orientation. Asexual people vary in how they experience relationships and attraction—many still seek romantic or emotional partnerships. Example: “Jamie is asexual but deeply enjoys romantic dates and emotional closeness.”

Autosexual describes someone who is sexually attracted to themselves or aroused by their own body. This does not mean that self-pleasure alone makes someone autosexual—just as having sex doesn’t automatically define someone as sexual. Example: “Pat identifies as autosexual, finding their own body to be their biggest turn-on.”

B

BDSM is an umbrella term covering erotic practices involving control, power exchange, or consensual pain. It encompasses bondage and discipline (B/D), dominance and submission (D/s), and sadism and masochism (S/M). Clear consent and communication are critical in BDSM relationships and play. Example: “They enjoy exploring BDSM together, always with consent and safety first.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities

 Bareback In sexual slang, bareback refers to having penetrative sex without using a condom — most often in the context of anal or vaginal intercourse. Why some find it exciting: Physical sensations may be more intense without a barrier. It can create a feeling of intimacy, vulnerability, or connection. The act itself carries a psychological or taboo thrill.

Bull  In the context of a " Hotwife or cuckold" relationship, a bull is the man who engages in sexual activities with a "hotwife," while her husband watches or is aware. The bull is often more sexually dominant and may play into the humiliation or submissiveness of the husband.

 
Bi-curious describes someone interested in exploring sexual or romantic attraction to people of the same gender, in addition to other genders. Example: “Although she’s dated only men, she considers herself bi-curious and open to experiences with women.”

 Bigender individuals have two distinct gender identities, such as male and female, or any other combination. They may identify with both simultaneously or shift between them. Example: “Sam is bigender, feeling equally comfortable as both male and female.”

Bisexual  refers to people who experience sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to both their own gender and other genders. Attraction may shift in degree over time. Example: “Jordan is bisexual, having relationships with both men and women throughout their life.”

 Bondage is the consensual act of being restrained for sexual satisfaction, often using ropes, cuffs, or other tools. It is a common practice within BDSM and requires trust and safety measures. Example: “They practiced rope bondage as part of their trust-building exercises.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)

Brat is a term in BDSM for a submissive who playfully misbehaves or challenges their dominant, often to provoke a reaction or assert some playful control. Example: “She enjoys being a brat, pushing her Dom’s buttons until he takes charge.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)

 C


Casual describes a physical and/or emotional relationship without the expectations or commitments of traditional monogamy. Example: “They keep things casual, meeting up when schedules align without long-term promises.”

Cuckquean In simple terms: It’s a woman who is sexually aroused or emotionally excited by her male partner having sex with other women, usually with her knowledge and consent.

Key Traits of the Cuckquean Dynamic

  • Gender Flip – Instead of a man watching his wife with other men (cuckold), a cuckquean enjoys her man with other women.
  • Possible Power Exchange – Can involve feelings of erotic humiliation, jealousy play, or submission — but it can also be purely voyeuristic or celebratory.

Levels of Involvement 

  • Some cuckqueans like to watch in person.
  • Others enjoy hearing detailed stories afterward.
  • Some arrange encounters for their partner.

Consent & Communication – As with all ethical non-monogamy, boundaries, rules, and open conversation are essential.

Example


A woman enjoys seeing her boyfriend flirt and have sex with other women at a swinger party, because it turns her on to watch him desired and pleasured by others.

Cisgender refers to a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth. Example: “As a cisgender woman, she’s comfortable with the gender she was assigned at birth.”

Cuckold A cuckold is traditionally a man whose wife or female partner has sexual relationships with other men, often with his knowledge. In modern lifestyle and kink contexts, the term has evolved and can mean:

  • Consensual Cuckolding – A fetish or relationship dynamic where a man derives erotic excitement from his partner being with other men, typically with his consent.
  • Role & Fantasy – It can involve emotional elements (such as teasing, humiliation, or submission) or simply the physical aspect of knowing his partner is intimate with someone else.
  • Varieties – Some cuckolds only want to know about it afterward (fantasy-focused), while others may watch or participate in “hotwife” or “stag-and-vixen” type scenarios.

In swinging culture, cuckolding is a specific fetish dynamic that’s different from general partner swapping, because it centers on the eroticism of one partner being “shared” while the other takes a submissive or voyeuristic role. There is a difference between cuckolding and hotwifing, since people often confuse the two.

Here’s a clear side-by-side breakdown so you can see exactly how cuckolding and hotwifing differ — and where they sometimes overlap:

 

            Aspect 

 

 

Cuckolding

 

Hotwifing

 

Core Dynamic

 

One partner (usually the man) gets erotic excitement from his partner having sex with others, often paired with an element of power exchange or humiliation.

 

One partner (the wife or girlfriend) has sex with other men with her partner’s full encouragement, but the tone is usually celebratory rather than humiliating.

 

Emotional Tone

 

Can be teasing, degrading, or submissive — the “cuckold” may enjoy being reminded of his secondary sexual role.

 

Proud, erotic, and empowering — the “hotwife” is celebrated for her desirability, and her partner feels excitement from her experiences.

 

Role of the Non-Playing Partner

 

May watch, listen, or hear about the encounters afterward. Often plays the role of the submissive or the “denied” partner.

 

Often watches, participates, or arranges the encounters — takes the role of the “stag” (dominant, confident male).

 

Consent & Communication

 

Always consensual in ethical cuckolding, with boundaries and rules set beforehand.

 

Also fully consensual, but the focus is on fun, adventure, and variety rather than power exchange.

 

Humiliation Element

 

Common — can be light teasing (“You can’t please me like he can”) or more intense erotic humiliation.

 

Rare — the husband or partner takes pride in the wife’s sexuality rather than feeling “less than.”

 

Overlap

 

Both involve consensual non-monogamy where one partner is sexual with others.

 

Both can include watching, storytelling afterward, and arranging encounters together.

 

Quick way to remember:

Cuckolding → Often eroticizes erotic humiliation + submission.

Hotwifing → Celebrates pride + sexual adventure.

Cuddle Puddle. A cuddle puddle is a casual, often playful term for a group of people lying close together, snuggling, hugging, or otherwise physically relaxing in a shared pile.  Also seen in polyamory and swinger circles as a form of nonsexual physical affection.

Can occur in BDSM and kink aftercare, where multiple participants cuddle for emotional decompression. Most cuddle puddles are nonsexual, focused on warmth, comfort, and bonding.In erotic spaces, the line can blur — it might become a prelude to sexual activity or be part of group intimacy.

Key Difference:

In swinger spaces, cuddle puddles lean toward sexual energy and can evolve into play

In BDSM spaces, they lean toward emotional support and physical comfort, with sexual activity being rare unless it’s part of a negotiated scene.


Couples are two people in a committed relationship who may choose to engage with others while respecting agreed-upon boundaries. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “The couple attends swinger events together, always respecting each other’s limits.”

D

Dates are social meetings—often outside the bedroom—that may or may not lead to physical intimacy. Example: “They went on several dates before deciding to take things further.”


Dating refers to spending time with someone romantically or sexually, often during the early stages of getting to know them. Example: “They started dating after meeting at a lifestyle event.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)

DTF The acronym stands for “Down to F**k! Some couples just put it out there to convey that this is what they want to do, plain and simple.  Don’t waste their time with idle chit-chat because they want to get the party started. Now!


Demiromantic describes individuals who only develop romantic feelings after forming a strong emotional or sexual bond with someone. Example: “She’s demiromantic and needs deep trust before she can feel romantic love.”

Demisexual individuals do not experience sexual attraction unless they have established a strong emotional connection. Example: “He identifies as demisexual and values emotional closeness before physical intimacy.”

Dom is a person who takes the dominant role in a BDSM dynamic, holding authority over the submissive in consensual power exchange. Example: “As her Dom, he sets clear rules and expectations in their play.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)


Dominant refers to the person in a BDSM relationship who holds control or authority during agreed-upon scenarios, with the submissive’s consent. Example: “Her Dominant ensures she feels safe while exploring her boundaries.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)

 Domme 

is a female or feminine-identifying person who assumes the dominant role in BDSM play or relationships. Example: “The Domme commanded the room with her confident presence.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)

E


Edging is the practice of bringing oneself or a partner close to orgasm, then stopping before climax, often repeating the cycle for heightened pleasure. Example: “They spent an hour edging before finally allowing release.”


Engaged means having promised to marry someone, either through cultural, legal, or personal commitment. Example: “They got engaged after two years of dating.”

F


FFF is a threesome involving three people who all identify as women. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They arranged an FFF encounter for the upcoming lifestyle event.”

Flake

In lifestyle and kink communities — as well as in everyday slang — a “flake” is someone who commits to plans but then backs out last-minute or doesn’t show up at all, often without a good reason.

 

Why it’s a big deal in swinger & BDSM circles

  • Many lifestyle events require screening, planning, and preparation (time, outfits, testing, travel).
  • Flaking can waste people’s time, money, and emotional energy.
  • In kink play, flaking can be more than inconvenient — it can disrupt carefully negotiated scenes and emotional trust.

 

Common Reasons People Flake

 

  1. Nervousness or “cold feet” before meeting.
  2. Overcommitting or poor time management.
  3.  Fear of judgment, exposure, or safety concerns.
  4. Not genuinely interested but enjoying the attention until the moment of action

How Communities Respond

  1. Some swingers’ clubs or kink groups keep “flake lists” or maintain a reputation board.
  2. Event hosts may require non-refundable deposits to discourage it.
  3. Repeat flaking can lead to being uninvited or banned from private events.

 
FFM refers to a threesome involving two female-identifying participants and one male-identifying participant. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “Their first experience together was an FFM, and it strengthened their connection.”


Fictosexual describes people who feel sexual or romantic attraction toward fictional characters, whether from anime, literature, films, or games. Example: “As a fictosexual, she finds characters in novels far more compelling than real-life partners.”


Foreplay encompasses all intimate or erotic activities leading up to penetrative sex, such as kissing, touching, or oral stimulation. Example: “They prioritized foreplay to build connection and anticipation.”


Freedomme is the act of embracing one’s full autonomy in self-expression, sexuality, and identity without limitation. It represents reclaiming power over your own domain. Example: “She found her Freedomme when she stopped conforming to others’ expectations.”

 
Friend is a person with whom you share mutual affection that may or may not be sexual or romantic. Example: “He’s been a close friend for years, but they’ve never been romantically involved.”

 
Friendships are emotional bonds formed between people, generally independent of sexual activity. Example: “Their friendship started in college and has remained strong ever since.”

 
Friend with Benefits refers to someone with whom you share both friendship and casual sexual interactions without the commitment of a romantic relationship. Example: “They’ve been friends with benefits for over a year, keeping things light and fun.”


Fun 

refers to mutual enjoyment between two or more people, which may or may not include sexual intimacy. Example: “They planned a night of pure fun at the club.”

 
FWB stands for “Friends With Benefits,” a casual relationship where friendship coexists with sexual encounters without long-term romantic expectations. Example: “Their FWB arrangement works perfectly because they respect each other’s boundaries.”

G


Gay is a term describing individuals who feel sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to others of the same gender. For women, “lesbian” is often the preferred term. Example: “He came out as gay during his first year of college.”


Genderfluid describes someone whose gender identity shifts over time between different genders. Example: “They identify as genderfluid, feeling more masculine some days and more feminine on others.”


Gender Nonconforming refers to people whose gender expression does not align with societal expectations for the gender they were assigned at birth. Example: “As gender nonconforming, she chooses clothing that feels authentic to her rather than traditional norms.”

 
Genderqueer is a term for those who reject binary gender norms, often overlapping with non-binary identities. It can carry a political connotation, challenging traditional gender structures. Example: “He embraces being genderqueer as an act of self-liberation.”

 
Gender Questioning refers to individuals exploring or unsure about how to define their gender identity. Example: “She’s currently gender questioning and experimenting with different pronouns.”

 
GGG stands for “good, giving, and game,” a phrase popularized by sex columnist Dan Savage to describe the qualities of an excellent sexual partner. Example: “He prides himself on being GGG in every relationship.”

 
GrayA (or greysexual) describes individuals who rarely experience sexual attraction, existing in a spectrum between asexuality and sexuality. Example: “As a GrayA person, she sometimes feels attraction but less frequently than others.”


Group refers to sexual activity involving three or more consenting adults. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They attended a group event at the local swingers’ club.”


Gynesexual describes individuals primarily attracted to femininity, regardless of the person’s gender identity. Example: “He identifies as gynesexual, drawn to feminine energy in all forms.”

H


Heteroflexible refers to people who are mostly attracted to the opposite gender but occasionally experience attraction to the same gender. Example: “She’s heteroflexible and open to exploring with women, though she primarily dates men.”

Hard Swing In swinging terminology, hard swing refers to full sexual partner swapping — meaning couples not only engage in sexual activity with others but also have intercourse with their swap partners. Explicit consent is essential before moving from soft to hard swinging. Couples usually discuss comfort levels, safe sex practices, and limits in advance.

Host A host is a person or couple who organizes and facilitates swinger/kinks/poly events or gatherings, either in their home, at a private venue, or through a club or lifestyle group.

Hotwife: A hotwife is a married or committed woman who has sex with men outside her primary relationship with her partner’s full consent and encouragement.

 

Key points about the hotwife lifestyle:

 

Mutual Agreement – The woman’s adventures are openly discussed and agreed upon with her partner (often called the stag).

Celebration, Not Shame – The dynamic is rooted in pride and arousal rather than humiliation; the partner often finds excitement in her desirability to other men

Partner Involvement – The stag may watch, join in, or simply hear about her encounters afterward.

Freedom with Boundaries – Rules are set to ensure safety, trust, and respect within the relationship.

Common in Swinger Culture – Hotwifing overlaps with swinging, but focuses on one-sided play — only the hotwife has outside partners, while the stag takes pleasure in her experiences.

Example:
A married couple agrees that the wife can meet other men for exciting sexual encounters while her husband enjoys hearing the details later or watching in person. Instead of jealousy, he feels turned on and proud that others desire her.

Here’s a clear, side-by-side quick-reference chart showing the main differences between HotwifeStag & Vixen, and Cuckold so you (or your audience) can spot the distinctions instantly:

             Aspects 



 

 

Hotwife

 

Stag & Vixen

 

Cuckold

 

Core Dynamic

 

Married or committed woman (hotwife) has sex with other men with her partner’s consent.

 

Couple (stag & vixen) engages with other men together — often with the stag joining in.

 

One partner (usually the man) is aroused by his partner having sex with others, often involving humiliation or submission.

 

Tone & Emotion

 

Pride, celebration of the wife’s desirability.

 

Adventurous, shared excitement, and team play.

 

Humiliation, teasing, erotic submission.

 

 

Role of Male Partner

 

 

 

Encourages, may watch or join occasionally; proud of wife’s sexual freedom.

 

 

 

Actively participates in the encounter, sometimes focusing on sharing the vixen.

 

 

 

Often watches or hears about it later; may be denied participation or sexual access.

 

Primary Focus

 

Wife’s sexual experiences outside the relationship.

 

Mutual couple play with another man (“vixen” + stag + bull).

 

Power exchange, voyeurism, and erotic degradation.

 

Humiliation Element

 

Rare.

 

None — dynamic is playful and equal.

 

Common — from light teasing to intense erotic humiliation.

 

Overlap

 

Can involve watching, storytelling, and arranged encounters.

 

Can look like hotwifing but with more active partner participation.

 

Sometimes overlaps with hotwifing when humiliation is light or absent.

 

Quick memory trick:

Hotwife → “Look at my sexy wife — I’m proud of her.”

Stag & Vixen → “We share our adventures together.”

Cuckold → “You’re with him… and I’m on the sidelines

Hall Pass A hall pass is consent from a primary partner to have sexual encounters with someone outside the relationship. This arrangement is temporary and may be a one-time experience or happen on multiple occasions, depending on what the couple agrees upon.

 
Heterosexual describes attraction to the opposite gender (binary). Example: “As a heterosexual man, he’s always dated women.”
Homoflexible describes individuals mostly attracted to their own gender but occasionally attracted to other genders. Example: “He’s homoflexible, mostly dating men but open to women as well.”

I


Intersex people are born with variations in sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female bodies. Example: “Alex is intersex and advocates for medical autonomy.”

K


Kink refers to non-traditional sexual interests, fantasies, or behaviors outside societal norms. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “Exploring kink has helped them deepen their intimacy.”

L


Lesbian refers to women who are sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted to other women. Some non-binary individuals also use this term. Example: “She proudly identifies as a lesbian.”

 
Lover is someone with whom you have or have had a sexual relationship; romance may or may not be part of it. Example: “They were lovers for years before deciding to just be friends.”

 
Married  describes a person who has wed, either culturally, legally, or both. Example: “They’ve been married for fifteen years.”

M


Metamour refers to your partner’s partner—someone with whom you share a mutual connection through a shared partner, but not necessarily a romantic or sexual relationship with each other. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “I met my metamour at a lifestyle event, and we quickly became friends.”


MMF is a threesome involving two male-identifying participants and one female-identifying participant. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “Their MMF experience was planned carefully to ensure everyone’s comfort.”


MMM is a threesome involving three male-identifying participants. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They explored an MMM encounter at a private lifestyle party.”

N


Nesting Partner refers to one or more people you live with in a shared household. This may include sharing finances, a bed, intimacy, or raising children together, but cohabitation is the defining factor. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “My nesting partner and I share an apartment with our other partners visiting often.”


Non-binary describes a gender identity outside the traditional categories of male or female. It’s an umbrella term for many gender identities. Example: “As non-binary, they use they/them pronouns.”

O


Objectumsexual refers to individuals who experience romantic or sexual attraction toward specific inanimate objects. Example: “She is objectumsexual and feels a deep connection to certain buildings.”

 
Omnisexual describes someone attracted to people regardless of gender identity, while recognizing and appreciating gender differences. Example: “He identifies as omnisexual, enjoying connections with people of all genders.”

P


Pangender (or omnigender) refers to identifying with multiple genders at once or shifting among them. Similar to genderfluid. Example: “They feel pangender, embracing all aspects of gender expression.”


Pansexual describes attraction to others regardless of gender identity or expression. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “As pansexual, she is open to relationships with people of any gender.”


Partner is a general term for someone with whom you share a romantic or sexual relationship. Example: “Her partner supports her involvement in the polyamorous community.” (Related to alternative lifestyle communities)


Play Partner refers to someone with whom you engage in consensual sexual or romantic activities outside a monogamous framework, often casually or for specific events. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “He is my regular play partner at lifestyle events.”

 
Poly is shorthand for “polyamory,” the practice of having multiple consensual relationships. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “She’s poly and maintains open communication with all her partners.”

 
Polyamory—also called Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) or Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM)—is the practice of engaging in multiple consensual romantic or sexual relationships with transparency and honesty. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “Their polyamorous relationship thrives on mutual respect and open dialogue.”


Polysexual describes attraction to several genders, but not necessarily all genders. Example: “They are polysexual, attracted to men, women, and non-binary individuals.”


Primary Partner is the person given highest priority in a non-monogamous relationship structure, often involving cohabitation, marriage, or shared responsibilities. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “Her primary partner is her husband, but she also has other romantic partners.”

Q


Queer is a reclaimed term for people who reject strict labels for their sexual orientation or gender identity. It encompasses a broad range of identities and expressions. Example: “He prefers the label queer because it feels more inclusive of his experiences.”

 
Queerplatonic Partner 
is someone with whom you have a deeply committed, intimate relationship that is not romantic. Example: “Her queerplatonic partner is her closest confidant and co-parent.”

R


Relationship Anarchy is a relationship style that rejects hierarchy, valuing all connections—romantic, sexual, platonic, or familial—equally, based on agreements between the individuals involved. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They practice relationship anarchy, treating friends and partners with the same level of importance.”


Role Play is the practice of assuming characters or scenarios for sexual excitement. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They enjoy role play, acting out elaborate teacher-student fantasies.”

 
Rough refers to sexual activity with a more intense, forceful, or primal energy, such as firm grips, slaps, or bites—always consensual. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They agreed to a rough scene that incorporated spanking and hair pulling.”

S


Sapiosexual describes someone who finds intelligence to be the most sexually attractive quality in another person. Example: “She identifies as sapiosexual, drawn to thought-provoking conversation above all else.”

 
Secondary Partner refers to someone you have a romantic or sexual relationship with, but who is not your primary partner. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “Her secondary partner lives in another city, and they see each other once a month.”

 
Sensual refers to deriving pleasure from activities that stimulate the senses, such as touch, taste, or scent. Example: “He planned a sensual evening with soft music, candlelight, and massage.”

 
Singles are individuals who are not currently in a committed relationship. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “The event welcomes singles as well as couples.”


Skoliosexual describes attraction primarily toward genderqueer, transgender, and/or non-binary individuals. This term can be controversial, and its use is often debated. Example: “As a skoliosexual, he prefers partners who exist outside the gender binary.”


Sub (short for submissive) is the counterpart to the dominant in a BDSM dynamic, finding gratification in surrendering control. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “The sub trusted their dom to guide the scene safely.”

 
Submissive refers to someone who finds pleasure in giving up power or control to a dominant partner in consensual play. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “As a submissive, she enjoyed the structure and rituals of their dynamic.”

Soft Swap This means couples who are up for most things but not full sex with others. It might include kissing, touching or oral. 

 
Switch is someone who enjoys both dominant and submissive roles, depending on the situation or partner. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “He’s a switch, comfortable taking control or yielding it.”

 

Swinger platform: 

 

swinger platform such a swinger’s sphere is an online or offline community specifically designed for people interested in the swinger lifestyle—a form of consensual non-monogamy where individuals or couples openly engage in sexual activities with others.

T


Texting is the act of sending written messages, which may be casual conversation or flirtatious/erotic exchanges. Example: “Their playful texting built anticipation for their next date.”

 
Threeway is a consensual sexual encounter involving three participants. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They arranged a threeway through their swinger network.”


Toys are objects used to enhance sexual pleasure, such as vibrators, dildos, or feather ticklers. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They brought a variety of toys to explore new sensations.”


Transfeminine describes people assigned male at birth who identify more with femininity than masculinity, often expressing themselves in a feminine way. Example: “She is transfeminine and enjoys wearing dresses and makeup.”

 
Trans Man refers to someone assigned female at birth (or with intersex traits) who identifies as male. Example: “As a trans man, he has found confidence in living authentically.”

 
Transmasculine describes people assigned female at birth who identify more with masculinity than femininity, though not necessarily as male. Example: “They are transmasculine and prefer traditionally masculine clothing styles.”


Trans Woman refers to someone assigned male at birth (or with certain intersex traits) who identifies as female. Example: “She is a trans woman active in the LGBTQ+ community.”


Two-Spirit is a culturally specific identity found in some Native American and First Nations communities, describing individuals with both masculine and feminine spirit traits. Non-Indigenous individuals should avoid using this label for themselves. Example: “In their culture, being Two-Spirit is a respected role.”

Unicorn: In swinging circles, a unicorn refers to a single, typically bisexual woman who is open to meeting and potentially engaging with a couple. Because such women are uncommon in the lifestyle, they’re likened to mythical creatures.

V

Vanilla refers to conventional sexual activity without BDSM or kink elements. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They prefer vanilla intimacy over experimental play.”

W


Watching refers to voyeurism—observing others engaged in sexual activity without direct participation, often for arousal. (Related to alternative lifestyle communities) Example: “They enjoyed watching other couples at the lifestyle party.”