Is Sexting Cheating in a Relationship?

Have you ever wondered if sexting is cheating? If you’re in a relationship, you might assume that your partner has the same romantic boundaries as you … but the reality is that people have a range of different beliefs on what cheating is and isn’t. Whether you’ve been trading sexy texts or have just found out your partner is sexting someone else, you might be at a crossroads on how to react to the situation. This is everything that you need to know about whether or not sexting is cheating in a relationship and what to do if your partner is caught in the act!

First, What is Sexting?

The term “sexting” is a combination of the words sex and texting. Different than cybersex which happens on the web, sexting involves sending flirty, sexual, or explicit texts back and forth with another person. These “sexts” may also include racy photos in various photos of undress or be graphic. Some people even “sext” by sending self-made videos to one another.

Sexting can range from mildly flirtatious to blatantly explicit, but not all forms of sexting are detrimental. Studies have shown that a significant number of individuals (88% of U.S. adults) have engaged in sexting and approve of it (96% of adults).

According to a report by Woman’s Health Psychology lab, 4 out of 5 people sext! While adults can make their own decisions about sexting, the practice becomes a problem when teenagers receive or send this type of texting … or when adults in a (supposedly!) monogamous relationship begin sexting someone else without their partner’s knowledge.

Is Sexting Cheating in a Relationship?

While those who are caught sending this type of message might claim that sexting isn’t cheating, as long as no in-person physical boundaries were crossed, most people consider someone outside the relationship to be cheating. This is how you can decide is SEXTING is cheating in your partnership with your boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, husband, or wife!

Is sexting cheating in a relationship? Here are some signs that it might be: 

One Partner Had No Idea It Was Happening

Imagine picking up your partner’s phone to call your cell phone, as you misplaced it in the house … and discovering a series of racy photos and messages they’ve sent and received. Those flirty & dirty messages might be with a stranger, someone they met on social media or online, or even with someone that you thought was a trusted friend or neighbor.

How do you feel? If you feel bad upon discovering your partner’s sexts, their actions meet the criteria of cheating. If not, go to criteria #2.

It’s More Than Flirty, It’s Downright Pornographic

If you and your partner have agreed to be sexually monogamous, then sending sexy texts to someone else violates that agreement and can be a major source of betrayal.

If you found or sent racy texts, then you or your partner are definitely cheating by sexting. If you’re uncertain, go to tip #3.

The Intention Behind the Sexts is to Cheat

Let’s say that you feel okay that nothing physical happened and that the messages were flirty (or even racy) but the person they sexted with is not someone they’ll ever meet in person. If so, you may think that you can sweep the texts under the rug and forget about them.

However, finding out that your partner’s intention is to meet up with the person they’re sexting and have a real-life affair can change that level of acceptance. If the messages show that the person planned on having a physical affair, then they’re definitely cheating. If you’re still uncertain, go to tip #4.

Emotional Betrayal Counts Too….

A physical affair is unmistakable, but an emotional affair is just as hurtful when you think your partner is monogamous. If your partner is having an emotional affair through sexting, you may wonder that they are planning to leave you or cheat (physically) next. It can also feel terrible to know that your one and only is emotionally closer to someone else.

If you are heartbroken by your partner’s emotional sexts, then the messages definitely meet the criteria of cheating. If you are still on the fence, go to our last tip… #5.

They Are Sexting Someone You Know…

If your partner is sexting someone you know (through work, friends, or even someone you’re related to… like your sibling or cousin) then they have not only crossed the lines of decency but made their bad behavior more important than your family connections or personal well-being

While the actions that you take after finding out that your loved one is cheating are up to you, DO remember that you deserve the best. If your partner made a commitment to be exclusive – and you kept your end of the bargain… while they did not – then it’s time to choose what your next course of action is. Is sexting cheating in a relationship? Whether you stay and work on the relationship or consider sexting a dealbreaker, you decide on the level of respect you expect and are not to blame when someone else makes thoughtless or selfish choices.

Social Catfish is Here to Help You!

If you want to know who your partner is cheating on you with, go to Social Catfish and search the phone number, name, username, photograph (profile image), or email address of the person doing the dirty deed (at least, in a sext sense) with your honey.

While it’s best to get support from family, friends, and a therapist (if you’re especially distraught), if you feel that you need the closure of knowing more about the person your loved one cheated with, the power of a smart-algorithm based search like Social Catfish is on your side. Find out the truth today at Social Catfish!