In Which We try to Answer Readers' Questions, Part 1 Polyamory is the absence, rather than the opposite, of monogamy. It is the pursuit or practice of multiple simultaneous sexual relationships. It is not synonymous with cheating or promiscuity. Cheating involves dishonesty. The creation and maintenance of viable polyamorous relationships generally requires complete honesty and a lot of work.
Promiscuity generally implies lack of discrimination.
Being polyamorous does not mean you will sleep with anyone. Polyfidelity A closed sexual relationship involving more than two people. Heinlein's line-marriage concept is one form of polyfidelity. The distinction generally refers to the level of commitment in each relationship rather than issues of time or affection. Body-fluid monogamy .