What is the difference?
Bisexual vs Pansexual
Bisexual and pansexual describe overlapping experiences, so people often ask which is "correct" or whether one excludes certain genders. Bisexual means attraction to more than one gender; pansexual stresses that gender is not a limiting factor in attraction.
Bisexual
Describes a person attracted to more than one gender. It does not require equal attraction to each, or attraction to every gender.
Full entryPansexual
Describes a person whose attraction is not limited by gender, who may be attracted to people of any gender identity.
Full entrySide by side
In short
The meanings overlap a great deal; people choose bisexual or pansexual based on which word feels right to them, and both are equally valid.
What they have in common
Both fall under the "bi+" umbrella, neither implies attraction to everyone, and both are self-chosen labels.
More comparisons
- Affirmative consentvsEnthusiastic consentAffirmative consent is about getting a clear yes; enthusiastic consent goes a step further and cares whether that yes is truly wanted.
- AsexualvsAromanticAsexual answers "do I feel sexual attraction?"; aromantic answers "do I feel romantic attraction?". A person can be one, both or neither.
- Bacterial vaginosisvsThrushA fishy smell points more towards BV, itching more towards thrush, but symptoms overlap, so it is worth getting them checked by a pharmacist, doctor or sexual health clinic.
- BDSMvsIntimate partner violence 18+Calling something BDSM never makes non-consensual harm acceptable. If limits are pushed, safewords ignored or fear creeps in, it is abuse, and domestic abuse services can help.
Last reviewed 10 October 2026. Spotted a mistake?