How is consensual non-monogamy defined?

• A. A relationship where partners are not allowed to date others.
• B. A relationship where partners secretly date others.
• C. An arrangement where partners agree to have additional romantic or sexual relationships.
• D. A relationship with no boundaries at all.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that consensual non-monogamy centers on explicit, ongoing consent and open communication among all partners to have more than one romantic or sexual connection. This means everyone involved agrees to the arrangement and negotiates boundaries together, rather than dating secretly or letting relationships happen outside of an agreed framework. Because of that, it covers forms like polyamory, open relationships, or swinging, as long as there is clear consent and agreed-upon boundaries.

The correct description fits: partners agree to have additional romantic or sexual relationships. The other options reflect setups that aren’t about mutual consent and transparency (one banning dating others), secrecy (dating without consent or knowledge), or a lack of boundaries (which undermines the negotiated, consensual nature of CNM).