Everyone knows the pre-computer definition of cheating. Thats easy. But now we have cyber cheating and things are more complicated. Say you bump into someone on a forum or message board or where ever and strike up a conversation via e mail or instant message. Does it become cheating when the conversation turns flirty? Does sex have to be mentioned specifically before its cheating? Or is the mere fact that you are conversing with someone who you potentially might engage in cyber sex with (even though you are not there yet) enough to qualify? I think I know where I draw the line. Where do YOU draw the line?

conscience is that thing that hurts when everything else feels good. if you feel bad (conscience) about it then its not right.

I can speak for myself when I found my signifigant others search results, I was devastated! I felt cheated on. While im at work, he is at home, searching for "single" women to so called "chat" with or to market his business ideas to.... I dont think so. It is still cheating in any sense of the word. He wasnt asking older married women to join his friends list, or any men, and come to think of it....he is on this site doing the same thing!!!! He is busted again! Damn.......

It's a very touchy subject. If you're doing something that you know is wrong, and wouldn't want your significant other doing it- then it may qualify as cheating. However, an easy defense is that "nothing physical" took place.

But if you bump into someone on a forum, a conversation turns flirty, or a potential meeting is arranged, you're definitely NOT looking for 'good conversation' or to 'meet new people'. You're looking to get a little action. Don't buy those excuses, people.

And let's not forget, if it takes place in a different zip code, it's not cheating.

The minute you spend more with "the other person" and avoid the one you are with, you are cheating. By this I mean. You are chatting, in any fashion, with someone else and your lover comes home and you have to avoid them seeing what you are doing or you continue to chat and not give your time and attention to them, you are headed down a road that will lead to problems.

actually you can also cheat on yourself , I believe that a person
could be cheating themselves by not allowing themselves to keep
growing closer to their sig other by becoming distracted by some
other person.

I just had to respond to this question. It is always cheating if you would feel uncomfortable having your spouse or significant other standing behind you while you read and type away. It's called "emotional cheating". Anyone in a committed relationship should not play with fire by exchanging words with someone online, on the phone, at the office, or on the street that just may lead you into a relationship with them. Play with fire, you usually get burned. Personally, I think that the world would be better place if we would all treat each other with respect. Then there would never be a problem. Dream on, right? ha ha... Anyway...I think a person knows in their own heart when they're doing wrong...so to really answer the question it depends on what is truly going on inside the heart.
Karen

i belive you are cheating when you lust for that other person,when you are already commited to someone else. Even though your not doing the act! lust can be very dangerous and enventually becomes more where you actually want to meet this person and have something with that person. I'm currently in a realtionship and i love to meet new people and chat online specially when i play games online. I constantly talk to different people and guys and make friendships, randomly talking about sex , but no talking about *US* having sex, just the general. Once it turns out that the other person wants to meet /or confess feelings towards me i draw the line, im a very straigh forward person and i never sugar coat the truth. I always tell my honey who i meet online and who they are and what i talk to them about, of course thats just my choice, and i like being honest and trutful :) keep it that way. :) take care and goodluck!

There is a difference between emotional cheating and physical cheating, yet regardless they are the same to an extent as well.

Emotional cheating can be defined as letting you heart and mind stray.

People often get caught up in this and don't want to admit it, but when you start to think of a relationship with someone or make effort to speak with them. You choose to talk more with them online, phone, or e-mail more than you do your mate.

You are more excited to talk to them than you ball n' chain. It boils down to being attracted to someone, letting it go to far 'in the mind', but never actually taking it anywhere.

I think we all know the definition of knocking boots physical cheating.

I'm thinking if you are engaging in romantic or suggestive conversation with someone on the net while you've got someone sleeping at home in your bed... I'm thinking you are a "cheater".

Normal online conversation... no sexual content and no desire to meet... what's wrong with idle conversation?

IMO considering romantically engaging with another person while you're involved with someone, whether it be on the Internet or not, is just wrong. I mean, if you even want to do that, you probably shouldn't be in a relationship to begin with.