How to Label Your Relationship Style on Dating Apps (2026)
What to call yourself on Feeld and other ENM apps? Navigate relationship labels, write clear descriptions, and communicate your style effectively.
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Dating apps ask for labels. ENM has many. How do you pick the right one, and what do you write when labels don't quite fit?
Here's a guide to navigating relationship labels on dating apps.
Why Labels Matter (and Don't)
Why They Matter
- Filtering: People search for specific relationship styles
- Signaling: Labels communicate basic compatibility
- Efficiency: Avoids explaining from scratch every time
- Community: Connects you with like-minded people
Why They're Limited
- Nuance: No label captures everything
- Evolution: Your style may change
- Assumptions: Labels come with baggage
- Variety: Same label means different things to different people
The Balance
Use labels as starting points, not complete definitions. They open conversations that then go deeper.
Common Relationship Style Labels
Polyamorous
What it generally means:
- Open to multiple romantic relationships
- With knowledge and consent of all involved
- Can include various structures
What to know:
- Most recognized ENM term
- Includes hierarchical and non-hierarchical variants
- Range from dating multiple to having multiple committed partners
When to use it: You're open to multiple romantic relationships, not just sexual ones.
Open Relationship
What it generally means:
- Primary partnership exists
- Sexual openness outside the primary relationship
- Often less romantic involvement with others
What to know:
- Sometimes implies hierarchy
- Focus often on sexual connections
- Primary relationship stays central
When to use it: You have a primary partner and you're open to connections (often sexual) outside that partnership.
Ethically Non-Monogamous (ENM)
What it generally means:
- Umbrella term for all consensual non-monogamy
- Includes poly, open, swinging, and more
- Emphasizes ethical component
What to know:
- Broad and inclusive
- Good if you don't fit specific categories
- May require more explanation
When to use it: You're non-monogamous but don't identify with more specific labels, or you're exploring what fits.
Solo Polyamory
What it generally means:
- Polyamorous without a primary partnership
- Prioritizes autonomy and independence
- May have multiple significant relationships
What to know:
- Distinct from "single and poly"
- Intentional structure, not transitional state
- Values sovereignty within relationships
When to use it: You practice polyamory and intentionally don't have or want a primary partner structure.
Relationship Anarchist
What it generally means:
- Rejects hierarchy between relationship types
- Each relationship defined on its own terms
- May or may not be romantic/sexual
What to know:
- Philosophy more than structure
- Less commonly understood
- May need more explanation
When to use it: You don't prioritize romantic relationships over others and build all connections intentionally.
Single
What it generally means:
- Not currently in a relationship
- May be seeking relationships
- Often implies looking for monogamy
What to know:
- On ENM apps, single takes different meaning
- Can be combined with other labels
- May need clarification about what you're seeking
When to use it: You don't have current partners and want to indicate availability. Add clarification about ENM.
Partnered
What it generally means:
- Have at least one partner
- Seeking additional connections
- Existing relationship acknowledged
What to know:
- Important to disclose
- Questions about structure may follow
- Pairs well with other labels
When to use it: You have a partner and are seeking connections. Combine with other labels for clarity.
Married
What it generally means:
- Legally married
- Seeking outside relationships
- Spouse presumably aware
What to know:
- High transparency
- Questions about spouse's involvement may follow
- Some people filter for or against
When to use it: You're married and that's relevant to share. Clarify spouse's awareness and involvement.
Platform-Specific Options
Feeld
Feeld offers many options:
- Single, Partnered, Married
- Various interest and desire tags
- Room for description
Strategy: Use the closest label, then clarify in your bio.
Other Apps
Different platforms have different options:
- OkCupid: Extensive options
- Hinge: More limited
- Tinder: Very limited
Strategy: Work within platform constraints; use bio/description space to clarify.
When Labels Don't Fit
What to Do
- Pick the closest: Choose the label that's approximately right
- Clarify in bio: Use your description to add nuance
- Address in conversation: Explain more when chatting
Examples of Clarification
If "polyamorous" is close but not quite:
"Polyamorous, specifically non-hierarchical. I don't do primary/secondary distinctions."
If you're still exploring:
"Exploring ENM—figuring out what structure works for me. Happy to discuss."
If your style is unique:
"My relationship style doesn't fit neatly into labels. I'm [brief description of your actual approach]."
Writing Your Relationship Style Description
The Formula
- Label (if applicable)
- What that means for you
- What you're seeking
- Anything important to clarify
Examples
Solo poly:
"Solo poly—I don't have or want a primary partner. Looking for meaningful connections with other independent-minded people."
Partnered and open:
"Partnered, open for independent dating. My partner and I date separately. Looking for ongoing connections, not just hookups."
Relationship anarchist:
"Relationship anarchist—I don't prioritize relationships by category. Each connection is defined by the people in it. Currently seeking [what you're seeking]."
New to ENM:
"New to ENM and exploring what fits. Curious about polyamory but taking it slow. Looking for patient, experienced connections."
Complex situation:
"Married, dating independently with full knowledge and support. I have a long-distance partner as well. Looking for local connections with room to grow."
Common Questions About Labels
"What if people assume wrong from my label?"
That's why you clarify in bio and conversation. Labels are starting points, not complete pictures.
"Should I use multiple labels?"
If they fit and the platform allows, yes. "Solo poly, relationship anarchist" gives more information than either alone.
"What if I don't know my label yet?"
Use "ENM" or "Exploring ENM." Being honest about exploration is valid.
"Do I have to use a label?"
You don't have to, but it helps people find you. A custom description works too.
Having the Conversation
When Asked "What Do You Mean By [Label]?"
"For me, being [label] means [brief explanation of what it looks like in practice for you]."
When Your Label Confuses Someone
"I know that label can mean different things. What it means for me is [specifics]."
When Exploring Further
"I'm curious what [label] means to you? I want to make sure we're on the same page."
Labels and Partners
Coordinating With Existing Partners
If partnered, align on:
- How you each describe your relationship status
- How you describe each other (if at all)
- What labels you each use
Respecting Partners' Privacy
Your labels should be honest without exposing partners more than they want:
- "Partnered" is true without identifying them
- Discuss what level of detail is okay to share
- Check in about changes to how you describe things
The Evolution of Labels
Labels Change
Your relationship style might evolve:
- Started open, now poly
- Was hierarchical, now non-hierarchical
- Had a partner, now solo
Update your labels as you change.
The Label Landscape Changes
ENM terminology evolves:
- New terms emerge
- Old terms shift meaning
- What's understood changes over time
Stay current with how language is used.
Related Guides
Communicate Your Authentic Self
Labels are tools for connection. Poise helps you communicate what you're really about—beyond the label, into the genuine conversation.
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