Is there a difference between cheating and having an affair?

Contributor: TJtheMadHatter TJtheMadHatter
I was wondering if anyone else sees a difference between the two. I know that cheating is essentially the same thing as having an affair, as sex is sex. I just think that cheating has to do with just the sex. Having an affair is cheating emotionally, sexually, and is more of a relationship. I know both are bad, but was wondering if anyone else sees the difference when looking at the two, side by side.
06/19/2013
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Contributor: MrWill MrWill
Quote:
Originally posted by TJtheMadHatter
I was wondering if anyone else sees a difference between the two. I know that cheating is essentially the same thing as having an affair, as sex is sex. I just think that cheating has to do with just the sex. Having an affair is cheating emotionally, ... more
I see them as different.


You can have an affair without cheating... say your SO gives you permission to seek fulfillment elsewhere.


Cheating on the other hand to me, is seeking fulfillment from others without even considering your SO or their feelings.
06/19/2013
Contributor: PropertyOfPotter PropertyOfPotter
I think cheating is a one or two time occurrence, possibly more for sex than anything. I see an affair as having an ongoing relationship with someone other than your significant other.

That's probably just me, but that's how I've always separated the two.
06/19/2013
Contributor: evanescentowl evanescentowl
I agree with what PropertyofPotter said. An affair is more of a long-term relationship thing, whereas cheating is a one or two time occurrence.
06/19/2013
Contributor: js250 js250
I feel that cheating is an encounter with a random person where an affair is with the same individual over and over. Affairs to me are more emotional and connected where cheating is more in the moment derived....
06/19/2013
Contributor: Dolphin Lady Dolphin Lady
cheating is cheating no matter how you look at it. An affair is just another way of saying that the person is cheating.
06/19/2013
Contributor: Fluke Fluke
Cheating is what you do to your girlfriend
An affair is what you do to your wife

I also imagine an affair being classy in which you drink lots of wine and see the person for awhile. I haven't done either so I dunno.
06/19/2013
Contributor: bettyboom bettyboom
It seems like having an affair goes on longer than cheating does. Cheating seems like something people do in a moment of passion, and an affair takes a more conscious effort to keep up.
06/19/2013
Contributor: LoveX LoveX
I think there is a difference. An affair has the emotional side, cheating seems like more of a one time sex type thing.
06/19/2013
Contributor: Chelynn67 Chelynn67
Quote:
Originally posted by TJtheMadHatter
I was wondering if anyone else sees a difference between the two. I know that cheating is essentially the same thing as having an affair, as sex is sex. I just think that cheating has to do with just the sex. Having an affair is cheating emotionally, ... more
I see what you're saying but I think they are the same
06/20/2013
Contributor: TJax TJax
Quote:
Originally posted by TJtheMadHatter
I was wondering if anyone else sees a difference between the two. I know that cheating is essentially the same thing as having an affair, as sex is sex. I just think that cheating has to do with just the sex. Having an affair is cheating emotionally, ... more
I think you are pretty much right there, it's all cheating, but an affair implies an ongoing relationship, usually an emotionally engaged relationship which is why 'having an affair' is usually considered worse.
06/23/2013
Contributor: a whole lot of birds. a whole lot of birds.
Quote:
Originally posted by TJtheMadHatter
I was wondering if anyone else sees a difference between the two. I know that cheating is essentially the same thing as having an affair, as sex is sex. I just think that cheating has to do with just the sex. Having an affair is cheating emotionally, ... more
i think the main difference is 'having an affair' sounds more glamorous.
06/23/2013
Contributor: edeneve edeneve
yup, give it some thought & you'll come up w/ your own answer.
06/23/2013
Contributor: Wicked Wahine Wicked Wahine
Quote:
Originally posted by TJax
I think you are pretty much right there, it's all cheating, but an affair implies an ongoing relationship, usually an emotionally engaged relationship which is why 'having an affair' is usually considered worse.
What you said! Yes, it's just being more specific as to the degree of the cheating.
06/24/2013
Contributor: JinxPinx JinxPinx
Simply 'cheating' I see as doing something (anything you're not supposed to faithfully really) with someone but 'an affair' is more like an actual relationship with another person (whether f-buddies or more).
06/24/2013
Contributor: C&K0143 C&K0143
Both are adultery and cheating. Both are horrible regardless of reasons or rationalizations.
07/28/2013
Contributor: TransMarc TransMarc
I always saw "having an affair" meaning, politely, "cheating with the same person having an on-going relationship".
07/29/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
I think there is a difference between the two. Affairs involve emotions and promises of leaving the other person when the time is right, cheating is just a quick fuck somewhere and you go about your business.
07/29/2013
Contributor: LoveBug721 LoveBug721
nope same thing
07/30/2013
Contributor: SecretKinksters SecretKinksters
Quote:
Originally posted by js250
I feel that cheating is an encounter with a random person where an affair is with the same individual over and over. Affairs to me are more emotional and connected where cheating is more in the moment derived....
Couldn't have said it better.
07/30/2013