Emotional cheating, also known as an emotional affair, represents a different kind of infidelity.
The relationship has not yet reached the point of sexual intimacy, but a deep emotional bond has developed nonetheless.
Although people should have emotionally supportive friendships beyond their romantic partners, emotionally cheating has a secretive element, just like a sexual affair.
The person does not want the spouse or partner to know about the outside relationship because it feels unfaithful.
In fact, emotional cheating often leads to a full-blown sexual affair.
Emotional intimacy and secrecy prime a couple for physical consummation.