What does aromantic mean?

Short Answer

Aromantic means experiencing little or no romantic attraction. Aromantic people still form deep bonds — friendships, queerplatonic partnerships, and sometimes sexual relationships — but romantic love isn't a driving force for them.

Attraction Is Not One Thing

Sexual attraction and romantic attraction are separate:

• Sexual attraction: wanting sex with someone
• Romantic attraction: wanting romantic partnership with someone
• Aesthetic attraction: enjoying someone's beauty (not necessarily either of the above)

Aromantic people (or "aro") experience little or no romantic attraction — but may experience any of the others.

The Aro Spectrum

• Aromantic: No romantic attraction, or very little
• Demiromantic: Romantic attraction only after a deep emotional bond
• Grayromantic: Romantic attraction that's rare, weak, or conditional
• Aroace: Both aromantic and asexual

What Aro Relationships Look Like

• Queerplatonic partnerships: Deep, committed, life-shaping relationships without romance (see our QPR guide)
• Close friendships: For many aro people, friendships are the central relationships of their lives — as important as any romance
• Sexual relationships: Some aro people have sexual relationships without romantic attachment
• Solo living: Many aro people thrive alone — that's not loneliness, it's preference

Myths vs. Reality

• "You'll find someone someday" — Aro people aren't waiting to be fixed.
• "You're just scared of commitment" — Many aro people commit deeply to friendships and QPRs.
• "Everyone secretly feels this way" — No. Aromanticism is a real, distinct experience, and aro people can tell the difference between "doesn't like romance" and "doesn't experience romantic attraction."

Community

Aromantic visibility grew with the aro flag (green, white, gray, black — 2016) and organizations like the Aromantic-spectrum Union for Recognition, Education, and Advocacy (AUREA). Aro people build chosen families that look different from the default — and are no less real.