This is a very nuanced area in the topic of sexuality. It’s hard to understand and maybe you don’t, but the best course of action is to do research. Here are a few things to know about these three sexualities. 

Number one, and probably the most important one of all: the experience is different for everyone. Whatever label they want to use is their personal choice and it is what makes them feel best. Labels help validate individuals but do not have strict boundaries. There are no straight lines or strict rules and nothing is ever the exact same for every single person.

With that in mind here are the general–albeit fluctuating–definitions for the three terms. 

Bisexuality: The sexual or romantic attraction to both men and women or more than one specific gender. 

Pansexuality: The sexual or romantic attraction to someone regardless of gender. Also referred to as gender blind or an attraction to all genders. 

Omnisexual: The sexual or romantic attraction to all genders, with gender often playing a role in one’s attraction. 

Again keep in mind people may define these terms slightly different depending on their personal preferences, feelings, or experiences. These slightly lesser-known and more recent terms are for the sake of inclusion instead of simplicity. 

Number two: another thing to keep in mind when diving into the complex reality of sexual and romantic attraction is to stay open about everything and to be supportive. Yes, there is a minuscule difference between these three terms, but for some people that is the difference between feeling excluded and feeling seen and validated. 

Number three: these three terms all share the fact that they are attracted to more than one gender, whether that be two, just a general attraction to people based on personality rather than gender, or all.

Number four: these sexualities are not fixed. They can fluctuate, which does make it harder to understand but the fluctuation is due to personal experiences and altering and tweaking as we continue day to day. There is also definitely overlap between these three terms, significantly more so than other sexualities. This does make it hard to differentiate, but ultimately it comes down to personal feelings, being seen, and being validated.