Different Types Of Polycules

In polyamory, a polycule is the network of people connected through relationships. Think of it like a web: your partners, their partners, and sometimes even their partners’ partners. Every polycule looks different—here are some of the most common structures.

1. The “V”

• One person is dating two people who are not involved with each other.
• The shared person is called the “hinge.”

👉 Example: Alex dates Sam and Jordan, but Sam and Jordan are not partners.

2. The Triad

• Three people in a relationship together.
• Can be closed (exclusive to the three) or open.

👉 Example: All three partners share romance and intimacy equally.

3. The Quad

• Four people connected, often two couples who come together.

👉 Example: Two couples date each other as a group.

4. The Network

• A larger, interconnected group where people may have multiple partners across the polycule.
• Some know and interact with each other, while others keep things parallel.

5. The Solo Web

• A solo poly person with multiple partners, but no one is “primary.”
• Each relationship stands on its own.

Why Polycules Differ

Every polycule is unique because people have different:

Boundaries (some prefer kitchen-table closeness, others stay parallel).

Agreements (some are closed, others are open to new partners).

Levels of involvement (some live together, others stay separate).