aromantic

Aromantic is a term used to describe a person who experiences little to no romantic attraction to others. It is a romantic orientation, focusing on patterns of romance rather than sexual desire. An aromantic person can have any sexual orientation and may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or otherwise. Within the broader community, some people describe themselves as part of the aromantic spectrum, including grayromantic and demiromantic identities.

Grayromantic describes experiencing romantic attraction infrequently or only under certain circumstances, while demiromantic describes needing a strong emotional bond before experiencing romantic attraction. The term aromantic is also used within the umbrella of aro-ace identities for people who are both aromantic and asexual.

Aromantic individuals can form meaningful relationships and may engage in dating or partnerships for reasons other than romance, such as companionship, shared goals, or family considerations. They may prioritize close friendships or other nonromantic bonds, and relationship structures can vary widely among individuals. It is important to recognize that aromanticism is about romance, not emotional capacity or ability to love; many aromantic people form deep, caring connections.

Common misconceptions include viewing aromanticism as a mental illness, a phase, or a sign of social ineptitude. In reality, aromanticism is a legitimate orientation within the spectrum of human romantic diversity, and like other orientations, it can be expressed in diverse ways across cultures and individuals.

The term arose in online communities in the early 2010s, notably within AVEN (Asexuality Visibility and Education Network), and has since become part of broader discussions of sexual and romantic diversity.