heteroromantic

Heteroromantic is a romantic orientation describing a pattern of romantic attraction toward people of a gender different from one’s own. The term signals that a person experiences romantic feelings for the opposite gender, focusing on romance rather than sexual attraction.

Relationship to sexual orientation: Romantic orientation is distinct from sexual orientation. A heteroromantic person may identify as heterosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or another sexual orientation, depending on whom they experience sexual attraction to. For example, a heteroromantic asexual person experiences romantic attraction to the opposite gender but may have little or no sexual attraction.

Usage and context: The term is used within LGBTQIA+ communities, education, and research to describe nuanced experiences of attraction. It helps people articulate their preferences when a single label for sexual orientation does not fully capture their feelings. Not everyone uses a label, and identities can evolve over time.

Nonbinary and gender-diverse considerations: For people who do not identify strictly as male or female, heteroromantic is typically defined relative to their own gender identity. Some individuals specify “heteroromantic toward men” or “toward women,” depending on self-understanding. Cultural and linguistic differences can influence how terms are used.

Related terms: Homoromantic describes attraction to the same gender; biromantic to multiple genders; panromantic to people of many or all genders; aromantic indicates a lack of romantic attraction. These romantic labels can combine with sexual orientation labels to express a more precise identity.