Bisexual Vs. Pansexual: What’s The Difference?

The terms “bisexual” and “pansexual” are both labels that many people use to describe their sexual orientation. At the end of the day, the terms and descriptors you use for your sexual or romantic orientation are up to you. If you’re hoping to learn about the different terms a person might use to describe their sexuality, however, you might have questions about what it means to be bisexual or pansexual and how to differentiate between the two. Let’s take a closer look.

Bisexual vs. pansexual: What's the difference?

In general, there may not be a significant difference between pansexual and bisexual. To explore what distinguishes one from the other and discuss why someone might choose to use one or the other, let’s start with the definitions of the terms.

The word pansexual can be used to describe the sexual orientation of a person who is emotionally, romantically, sexually, or relationally attracted to people regardless of their gender or sex assigned at birth. It’s often chosen to express attraction that isn’t limited by the gender binary. 

Meanwhile, the term bisexual can describe a person who is sexually attracted to multiple genders (two or more) or who generally identifies as a member of the bisexual community. Many times, people who identify as bisexual are attracted to the same gender and other genders, but this is not always the case.

Although our language continues to evolve, the truth is that people of all sexualities and genders have always been here. While it’s true that we didn’t always have the terminology to describe ourselves in various ways, the length of time a word or phrase has been around doesn’t make it any more or less valid. That said, the word bisexual has been used for a great deal of time. In fact, it dates back to the 1800s. The word pansexual began to be used as a sexual orientation in the 1960s and has continuously become more widely known over the years.

So, how do people choose which word to use? It can vary from person to person. Some people choose to use the word pansexual because it rejects the gender binary, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a person who uses the term bisexual does not reject the gender binary. 

Some people who are bisexual can indeed be attracted to people of many different genders outside of the gender binary but choose to use the word due to the history behind it, based on the fact that it’s a relatively well-known term, because it simply feels right, or for another reason.

Furthermore, people who use either identifier might date nonbinary people. It can be important to note that different people who use the same term may also describe the details of the way they personally experience attraction differently. For this reason, the word bisexual is sometimes seen as a blanket or umbrella term.

Which word should I use?

When you describe yourself, you can use whichever term fits or aligns best with you and the way you feel. When you talk about another person, though, it can be crucial to use the terms that they ask you to use for them. If you haven’t found the right term yet, or if you’re not sure how to define your sexual or romantic orientation yet, that’s okay too.

Some people also use terms like biromantic or panromantic to describe their romantic orientation. Unlike sexual orientation, romantic orientation can specifically refer to who a person is romantically attracted to – that is, who they might want to engage in a romantic relationship with. 

For example, if someone’s on the asexual spectrum, they may say they’re asexual and panromantic as a way to express that they’re attracted to all or many genders romantically but are also part of the asexual community.

It’s also becoming increasingly more common to use blanket or umbrella terms like queer.

Dating while bisexual or pansexual

People who identify as bisexual or pansexual might be in a relationship not only with someone of any gender, but with people of various sexual orientations. So, for example, a bisexual person may date a straight person, a gay person, another bisexual person, or someone who identifies in a different way. The same can be true for pansexual people.

No matter what kind of relationship a bisexual or pansexual person is in, they generally remain the sexual orientation they identify with. They can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community no matter who they date.

Resources and support

Unfortunately, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face many barriers across the globe, and due to stigma, oppression, lack of acceptance, and more. Likewise, mental health concerns are higher among LGBTQIA+ people. Safety, acceptance, use of the correct pronouns, gender-affirming surgeries, and other forms of care can mitigate this risk, but not everyone can experience these things. Fortunately, there are various organizations that are created to support LGBTQIA+ individuals and their rights.

These can include but aren’t limited to:

• The Trevor Project
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
• Bisexual Resource Center
• GLAAD
• PFLAG
• GSA Network

These resources can help you find support groups, information about anti-discrimination policies, content for loved ones who want to learn about sexuality and gender, and more. The Trevor Project also has a free hotline for LGBTQIA+ youth that can be reached 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy

An LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist is someone who embraces and specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ people. It can be tough to find a therapist when you’re LGBTQIA+. Sometimes, in medical and mental health settings, people face a lack of acceptance or understanding. That is where LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy can come in.

Are you bicurious, bisexual, or an LGBTQIA+ person and wish to seek mental health support for any reason? It may be helpful to find an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.

You can find an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist near you by asking a medical doctor for a referral, searching online, or by using a therapist directory on the web. You can also work with a therapist online to quickly and easily find a professional who understands your experiences and needs.

Online therapy options can make it simple to try working with several therapists until you find someone who’s a good fit. You can also join sessions right from the comfort of your own home, which may help you save time, money, and stress.

Research supports online therapy’s efficacy for helping clients navigate relationship concerns, mental health symptoms, and more. One study, for instance, revealed that 95% of people who participated in online couples counseling found it to be helpful.  No matter how you choose to find care, you deserve a space where you are safe, heard, and understood. 

Takeaway

Bisexuality and pansexuality mostly differ in how they define which gender(s) a person is attracted to. You can think of pansexuality as attraction regardless of gender and bisexuality as attraction to specific genders, but how you choose to define and use these terms can be up to you. What matters most may simply be that you feel comfortable identifying in a way that feels right, whatever that may look like.