Last updated: September 2026.
There is no single way to practice polyamory. Some people prefer relationships with a clear hierarchy, others try to minimize hierarchy, some form closed groups, and others maintain multiple relationships while preserving a high degree of independence.
Common types and structures include hierarchical polyamory, non-hierarchical polyamory, polyfidelity, solo poly, triads, and V relationships. Terms such as kitchen-table polyamory and parallel polyamory describe how much interaction partners and metamours want within a wider relationship network.
No structure is universally better than another. What matters is informed consent, open communication, clear agreements, autonomy, and care. If you are new to the subject, begin with our complete guide to polyamory.
Types of polyamory at a glance
| Structure | Main characteristic |
|---|---|
| Hierarchical polyamory | One or more relationships have explicit priority over others. |
| Non-hierarchical polyamory | No primary partner has automatic authority over other relationships. |
| Polyfidelity | A group keeps romantic or sexual relationships within a closed circle. |
| Solo poly | A person maintains multiple relationships and substantial autonomy. |
| Triad | Three people are each romantically connected to both of the others. |
| V relationship | One person has two partners who are not romantically involved with each other. |
| Kitchen-table polyamory | Partners and metamours are comfortable maintaining friendly contact. |
| Parallel polyamory | Separate relationships have relatively little contact with one another. |
Hierarchical polyamory
In hierarchical polyamory, certain relationships have more priority, responsibilities, or decision-making rights than others. People may speak of a primary partner and secondary relationships, although not everyone uses those labels.
Hierarchy can emerge because a couple shares children, finances, a home, marriage, or long-term plans. These practical differences are sometimes called descriptive hierarchy. Prescriptive hierarchy is different: rules ensure that one relationship will always take priority or give one partner veto power over another relationship.
Either approach requires transparency. Problems arise when someone discovers too late that an undisclosed hierarchy shapes their relationship, or when a couple makes decisions that significantly affect another person without considering that person’s needs.
What is a metamour?
A metamour is your partner’s partner when you and that person are not romantically involved. The word does not imply a particular hierarchy or level of closeness.
Non-hierarchical polyamory
Non-hierarchical polyamory tries to avoid giving one relationship automatic power over others simply because it started first or carries the label “primary.” This does not mean every relationship receives exactly the same time or intimacy. The emphasis is on equity: each connection can develop according to its own agreements without another partner having an automatic veto.
Polyfidelity
Polyfidelity is a structure in which several people agree to keep romantic or sexual relationships within a closed group. It is shared exclusivity among more than two people. Like any agreement, it can be revisited if everyone involved wants the structure to change.
Solo poly
Solo poly describes people who have multiple loving relationships while preserving a high degree of independence. A solo-poly person may have deep, stable commitments without wanting to cohabit, merge finances, marry, or organize life around one primary relationship. Independence does not mean a lack of commitment.
Triads and V relationships
In a triad, three people are each romantically connected to both of the others: A dates B, A dates C, and B dates C. Those connections form three distinct relationships. A triad may be closed or allow outside relationships, depending on the agreements involved. Read our guide to what a throuple is and how three-person relationships work.
In a V relationship, one person has two partners who are not romantically involved with each other. The person connecting the two relationships is often called the hinge. The partners at the ends of the V might be friends, maintain cordial contact, or rarely interact.
Kitchen-table and parallel polyamory
Kitchen-table polyamory describes a dynamic in which partners and metamours are comfortable enough to share everyday spaces. That may involve friendship, shared celebrations, group plans, or mutual support. It does not mean everyone is romantically involved with everyone else.
Parallel polyamory sits toward the other end of that spectrum. Multiple relationships exist at the same time, but metamours have limited contact. Neither approach is inherently better; the appropriate amount of contact depends on everyone’s needs, comfort, and freely made agreements.
Polyamory and relationship anarchy
Relationship anarchy is not exactly a type of polyamory. It questions the assumption that a connection must automatically carry more value or authority because it is labeled “partner,” “friend,” or “lover.” It can overlap with polyamory, but it does not require multiple romantic partners. Learn more in our introduction to relationship anarchy.
Labels should describe a relationship, not govern it
Labels should make communication easier, not replace it. Two people can both say they practice hierarchical polyamory while following completely different agreements. Discuss the practical questions instead:
- How much time do we want to share?
- How will we communicate about new relationships?
- What information remains private?
- What sexual-health agreements do we want?
- How much contact do we want with metamours?
- Can one relationship make decisions that affect another?
Agreements should be clear and open to review. Our guide to creating agreements in a polyamorous relationship can help you begin that conversation.
Which type of polyamory fits you?
There is no universal answer. Consider how much independence you want, whether you want a primary relationship, whether you would like to live with partners, how much contact you want among metamours, and whether you prefer a closed or open structure. Your answers may change as life and relationships evolve.
Principles for healthier polyamorous relationships
- Real consent: Nobody should accept a structure solely out of fear of losing someone.
- Communication: Discuss expectations before they become conflicts.
- Autonomy: Each person should be able to express needs and boundaries.
- Care and accountability: Our choices can affect other people.
- Reviewable agreements: What works today may not work a year from now.
- Honesty: Consensual non-monogamy cannot work well when built on secrecy.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of polyamory are there?
There is no official number. Common structures include hierarchical and non-hierarchical polyamory, polyfidelity, solo poly, triads, and V relationships.
What is the difference between a triad and a V?
In a triad, all three people are romantically connected to one another. In a V, one hinge partner has two partners who are not romantically involved with each other.
What is the best type of polyamory?
There is no best structure for everyone. The right approach depends on the needs, values, boundaries, and agreements of the people involved. Consent, communication, and respect matter more than the label.
Meet people who understand polyamory
On Poliamoris, our polyamory dating app, you can meet polyamorous people, solo-poly people, couples in open relationships, and others interested in consensual non-monogamy.
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