I don’t consider polyamory to be different relationships that are essentially equal — I consider it to be different kinds of intimate connections with more than one person. My relationship with Tamara is very different from my relationship with Nat, and those are both very different from my relationship with James. I love all three of them but although I hope to have Tamara in my life for a very long time, it doesn’t have the same kind of life commitment that I have with James and Nat. And although Lane is a play partner, and our relationship is primarily oriented around sex, it’s not what I would consider swinging.

Just my two cents on terms, although much like polyamory, everyone probably has slightly different concepts.