Bisexual and pansexual are two of the most common labels for people who are attracted to more than one gender. They overlap a great deal, and the line between them is personal. Many people use one, the other, or both.
What Does Bisexual Mean?
Bisexual describes a person who is attracted to more than one gender. That attraction doesn't have to be equal, it doesn't have to happen at the same time, and it doesn't have to feel the same for every gender. Many bisexual people and bi organizations define the word broadly, so it includes attraction to people of any gender, including non-binary people.
Our guide on what bisexual means goes into more detail.
What Does Pansexual Mean?
Pansexual describes a person who is attracted to people regardless of gender. Many pansexual people say gender isn't a factor in who they're attracted to, or that it matters much less than other qualities such as personality and connection.
Where They Overlap
In everyday life, the two are very close. A person who says "I'm attracted to people of all genders" could describe themselves with either word. That's why many people use both, and why some bi organizations treat pansexual people as part of the wider bi+ community.
The words come with different histories and emphases:
- Bisexual is the older and more widely recognized term. Some people choose it because it's familiar, or because they feel part of the bi community.
- Pansexual is newer in mainstream use. Some people choose it because it highlights that gender isn't a deciding factor for them.
- Some people feel their attraction does vary by gender, and find "bisexual" fits that better. Others feel it doesn't, and prefer "pansexual".
Which Label Fits You?
There's no test that can tell you, and neither word is more correct. The one that fits is the one that describes your experience and feels comfortable to say. You're allowed to use both, to switch, or to skip labels altogether. Some people use "queer" or "fluid" instead.
Common Myths
- "Bisexual means only two genders." Many bi people and organizations say it means attraction to more than one gender, which isn't limited to a binary.
- "Pansexual and bisexual are completely different." They overlap heavily, and many people feel both apply.
- "It's just a phase." Attraction to more than one gender is a real orientation for many people, not a stopping point on the way to something else.
Dating With Either Label
On Bi Desires, bisexual, pansexual, bi-curious, queer and questioning people are all welcome, and you don't need to pick a label to join. You can describe yourself in your own words, say who you'd like to meet, and go at your own pace. Visit our bisexual dating page to get started.