They may differ from usual close friendships by having more explicit commitment, validation, status, structure, and norms, similar to a conventional romantic relationship. The concept originates in aromantic and asexual spaces in the LGBT community.

The entire point of queerplatonic relationships is that you make your own rules, Yau adds. “You throw societal expectations of friendship out the window and do your own thing,” she says. If you and your queer platonic partner want to kiss, then kiss!

Friends with benefits typically have a clear definition of which type of intimacy they will engage in, whereas a queerplatonic relationship doesn't have any restrictions. The flexibility of queerplatonic relationships is what makes them deeper relationships than friends with benefits.

Platonic friends may feel love for each other from a non-romantic place. For example, ancient Greek scholars defined several types of love. The love between friends or family was often called philia or storge.