Aromantic vs Asexual: What is the difference?
Aromantic vs Asexual: What’s the Difference?
Asexual and aromantic are two terms that often get mixed up—but they describe different kinds of attraction. Understanding the distinction can help you better connect with yourself or support someone you care about.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, respectful, and judgment-free.
What Does Asexual Mean?
Asexuality (or “ace”) refers to people who don’t experience sexual attraction.
That doesn’t necessarily mean someone doesn’t want relationships or physical closeness—it just means that sex isn’t a major part of their attraction or interest.
Some asexual people may still enjoy intimacy, cuddling, or even choose to have sex for emotional or relational reasons, while others prefer relationships that don’t include sexual activity at all.
Asexuality exists on a spectrum—some people identify as graysexual (rarely experiencing sexual attraction) or demisexual (experiencing sexual attraction only after a deep emotional bond).
What Does Aromantic Mean?
Aromantic people don’t experience romantic attraction—that “in love” feeling or desire for a romantic relationship.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t love deeply or form close bonds. Many aromantic individuals find meaning and connection in friendships, chosen family, or queerplatonic partnerships—committed, non-romantic relationships that can be just as fulfilling as traditional romance.
Can Someone Be Both Aromantic and Asexual?
Yes, some people identify as both aromantic and asexual—meaning they don’t experience either romantic or sexual attraction. Others are one but not the other.
There’s no “right” way to experience attraction. Every identity on the spectrum is valid.
Can Aromantic or Asexual People Fall in Love?
It depends on how you define “love.”
Love isn’t limited to romance or sex—it can show up as care, loyalty, emotional intimacy, or shared life goals.
Aromantic and asexual people can absolutely form strong, meaningful, and lasting connections. Those connections may just look different from what’s traditionally seen in movies or culture.
If You’re Questioning
If you’re reading this and wondering where you might fit, remember—self-discovery takes time.
Ask yourself:
Do I feel sexual attraction, or does the idea of sex not interest me?
Do I feel romantic attraction, or am I more drawn to platonic or emotional bonds?
Have I ever felt pressure to date or have sex because it seemed expected, not because I wanted to?
You don’t have to have all the answers. Exploring your feelings is a valid and important part of understanding yourself.
Getting Support
Exploring identity can bring up questions or emotions—and that’s completely normal. Having an affirming space to talk about it can make all the difference.
We offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and specializes in supporting asexual and aromantic clients. Whether you’re questioning, navigating relationships, or just want someone to listen without judgment, you’re welcome here.
Final Thoughts
Love and connection don’t look the same for everyone—and that’s what makes human relationships so beautiful.
Whether you’re asexual, aromantic, both, or still figuring it out, your experience is real and valid. You don’t need to fit a certain mold to deserve connection, care, and belonging.
Attraction is diverse—and every way of experiencing (or not experiencing) it is completely okay.
Aromantic vs Asexual: FAQs
How do I know if I’m aromantic or asexual?
Understanding your orientation starts with noticing what kinds of attraction you experience — or don’t.
If you don’t feel sexual attraction (a desire to have sex with others), you might identify as asexual.
If you don’t feel romantic attraction (a desire for romantic relationships), you might identify as aromantic.
Some people relate to one label, both, or neither. Attraction exists on a spectrum, and it’s completely okay if your experience doesn’t fit neatly into a single box. Exploring your feelings over time, reflecting on past relationships, or talking with an affirming therapist can help bring clarity.
Can I be aromantic but not asexual?
Yes, absolutely.
You can be aromantic (not feeling romantic attraction) but still experience sexual attraction. For example, someone might enjoy sex or feel sexually drawn to others but not want romance, dating, or emotional intimacy in the traditional sense.
Everyone’s experience of attraction is different. Some aromantic people enjoy casual sex, some prefer committed platonic partnerships, and others don’t pursue relationships at all. All of those experiences are valid.
Can aromantic people fall in love?
That depends on what you mean by “love.” Aromantic people may not experience romantic love, but they often form deep, meaningful, and lasting connections in other ways.
For many aromantic individuals, love can look like:
Queerplatonic partnerships — strong, committed, non-romantic relationships
Close friendships — emotional bonds that feel like family
Community or chosen family — love and belonging through shared support
Love isn’t limited to romance. Aromantic people are absolutely capable of loving and being loved — just in ways that might not fit the traditional definition.
What’s the difference between aromantic, asexual, and aroace?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Asexual (Ace): Doesn’t experience sexual attraction.
Aromantic (Aro): Doesn’t experience romantic attraction.
Aroace: A person who is both aromantic and asexual, meaning they don’t experience romantic or sexual attraction.
Each identity describes a unique experience of attraction — and some people identify with both, one, or somewhere in between. There’s no “right” way to be aro, ace, or aroace.
