Types Of Relationships You Should Know In 2024, According To Experts

Like Anchorman's Ron Burgundy, relationships are *kind of* a big deal. Ask some folks, and they'll even tell you intimate and romantic connections are basically the meaning of life. But if you haven’t learned yet, no two relationships are alike—even if you’re the common denominator. IMO? The many types of relationships are what make the it-takes-two- (three-, five-...) to-tango world spin 'round.

But before taking a deep dive into all the various kinds of relationships, let’s get some semantics out of the way. For instance, what is a relationship anyway? Put simply, a relationship structure refers to the members and organization of how that romantic relationship functions, says Marisa T. Cohen, PhD, Head of Couple Relationships at Paired, a relationship app.

Another term to know? Relationship dynamics, which describe how partners relate to one another or behave in their partnership. "Being cognizant of the dynamic of our romantic relationship(s) allows us to develop a level of self-awareness into whether our own needs and wants are being met," New York-based therapist Samantha Zhu says. "It’s also a great way for us to check in with ourselves and evaluate if we’re engaging in partnerships that align with our relationship values."

MORE FROM WOMAN'S DAY

Princess Diana’s Best Style Moments

Play Video

Speaking of values... the most socially-accepted relationship structure is a committed, monogamous one, but there are puh-lenty of other options that might be a better fit for you. The breadth of romantic relationships extends beyond gender, sexuality, traditional dynamics, and one partner.

Whether you’ve never considered anything but a single partner (I get it—it’s hard enough to find *one* person willing to commit), are already in an alternative relationship(s), or just want to learn about what else is out there, here's the expert-informed breakdown of 12 common types of relationships, including a few that—lover beware—come with some not-so-healthy dynamics.

1. Monogamous

Enter the classic, "normal" (in a heteronormative world), one-and-done relationship. Within a monogamous relationship, two people agree to commit exclusively to one another, both romantically and sexually. Typically, these couples ride the "relationship escalator," says Tarynn Dier, LMSW, a therapist focusing on alternative sexualities and lifestyles. You know, the "first comes love, then comes marriage," kind of path.

2. Non-monogamous

Monogamy is far from the only option, says Dier. Think of "non-monogamy" as an umbrella term for relationship structures that ethically include more than one partner, whether it be to fulfill a consensual sexual (i.e. an open relationship) or romantic (i.e. polyamory) role. "For some, there is a need to have different personalities in your relationship orbit that cater to different needs," she says.

Don’t get it twisted—while non-monogamous relationships often don’t follow the same kind of "relationship escalator" as monogamous ones, these relationships are just as serious. They just don’t need to operate or be defined by the same kind of timeline.

3. Kink

There are countless ways that partners engage in kink, but the relationship should always be rooted in clear communication and trust. "Kink builds this beautiful bond and closeness between the people who are doing it," Dier says. "It’s not just about pain and pleasure—it can be relaxing and healing as well." The element of aftercare is especially important, as it offers a whole new level of connection with a partner(s). A couple—whether monogamous or non-monogamous—may engage in kink only during sex, or it may be more of an all-day dynamic based on set roles and guidelines.

4. Long Distance

Raise your hand if you haven’t been in a long-distance relationship at some point in your love life. Thought so. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but this term refers to a relationship between people who are not physically in the same location and, consequently, often aren’t together in person.

It’s easier than ever to be in close contact with someone many miles away—thanks to FaceTime, texting, and social media—but it can still be difficult to feel the romance of an intimate connection. "It may be harder than ever to feel connected because you no longer have the same commonalities in your day," Andrea Bonior, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Detox Your Thoughts, previously told Women's Health.

Sometimes, long-distance relationships are only temporary due to life circumstances, while in other instances, they may be a permanent arrangement between partners.

5. Rebound

Zhu categorizes a rebound as a relationship that someone jumps into shortly after a breakup—when they likely haven’t dealt with the emotional fallout from it. "Rebounds are emotionally convenient to escape negative feelings associated with a breakup like pain, hurt, grief, and loss from the former relationship," she says.

Finding a new partner online is not as easy as it seems, as there are a lot of imposters online, which is quite annoying! I came to the conclusion that it is important for me to meet reliable and interesting people, so I decided to Expand your horizons with international dating and I met and enjoyed only there for many months.