Defining infidelity isn’t as simple as it might seem—and the definition is always changing. Join us as we explore this sticky topic.
Not so long ago, the notion of what constitutes cheating was pretty cut and dried. If your partner was gnawing on the naughty bits of someone else, the relationship was surely in peril. Fast-forward to 2025, and the definition of infidelity is anything but clear. What counts as betrayal now ranges from the classic roll in the sheets to something as subtle as lingering eye contact. In some cases, it could even be “liking” an Instagram post of a HUSTLER model. Seriously, the younger generations, in particular, have managed to both expand and simultaneously dilute the meaning of infidelity, leaving us in a world where it’s damn near impossible to tell what qualifies as cheating and what doesn’t. “I dated a girl once who thought talking to another girl was cheating,” Greg, 42, tells HUSTLERMagazine.com.
Fortunately, the scientific minds that study sex and relationships have banded together to help clear the air, or at least attempt to. According to a new study from the Kinsey Institute and DatingAdvice.com, one thing is crystal clear: the definition of infidelity changes with the times. After surveying 2,000 Americans, researchers uncovered some fascinating insights into what constitutes crossing the line. Unsurprisingly, the “classics” still dominate, with 84% saying sex outside the relationship is definitely cheating. Seventy percent draw the line at kissing, while just over half (52%) say flirting counts, too. Things get murkier the further down you go, though: nearly 30% of respondents believe even sharing deep personal secrets with someone other than your partner is a betrayal.
“My girlfriend just broke up with me for liking influencer photos on Instagram.”
