An Exploratory Investigation of Definition, Formation, and Maintenance in Roster Sexual Relationships

Abstract

Casual sexual relationship research has traditionally focused on dyadic relationship forms, including hookups, friends-with-benefits relationships, and situationships. Missing from these frameworks is a relationship structure increasingly recognized by adults themselves: the roster. Although roster dating has gained visibility in contemporary culture, little is known about how individuals define, construct, and experience having a roster. Using reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 46 adults (52.2% female, 45.7% male, 2.2% non-binary) this study provides the first empirical examination of the phenomenon. Participants described rosters as typically emergent rather than intentionally designed, consisting of multiple concurrent, non-committed partners organized within an informal hierarchy maintained through ongoing communication. Beyond providing sexual access, rosters functioned as sources of validation, emotional support, partner evaluation, and protection against relational uncertainty. Participants also described patterns of strategic ambiguity, selective disclosure, and communication management that sustained roster structures over time. Findings suggest that roster relationships constitute a distinct relational form that differs from both consensual non-monogamy and established casual sexual relationship types. More broadly, the results indicate that the roster may represent an emerging sexual script supported by dating-app culture, concurrent partner management, and evolving norms surrounding intimacy and commitment. Implications for sexual communication theory and contemporary relationship culture are discussed.