The practice, state or ability of having more than
one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full
knowledge and consent of all partners involved.

This is the definition used by California polyamorist Morning Glory Zell, who coined the term in the early 1980's.

When the “crush” has no intentions of taking things further, but they like the attention. So they flirt here or there, send dm/texts just to keep the person interested, knowing damn well they’re staying single.

In its most basic form, it is defined as honest consensual non-monogamy. While some decline to allow that Swinging is part of PolyAmory, the basic definition still applies. You will find, though, that there are as many definitions of PolyAmory as there are people practicing it. PolyAmory must have as a basic more than 2 people in the relationship. Not all participants need be involved with every other participant, nor is co-housing a requirement.

Where someone can love multiple people at once. It doesn’t mean that they’re bad at commitment, are cheaters, or just like sleeping around. All of those are different then polyamory. Just because somebody is polyamorous doesn’t mean they’re a cheater, and usually their partners are ok with them dating multiple people. It’s just as valid as any other identity.

Cheating with extra steps.

'Polyamorists' define "Polyamory" as :
The practice, state or ability of having more than
one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full
knowledge and consent of all partners involved.

In reality, polyamory is more often used as nothing more than A way of attempting to make 'open' relationships appear more mature by selfish individuals who use the idea of polyamory as a means to have multiple sexual partners while keeping the relationships themselves in an overly complicated and childish attrition.

"Polyamorists" often doge questions or conversation about which of their lovers they prefer more as they do not like people to know they do have just as much jealousy and preference in lovers as any monogamous person and are simply using polyamory as a doge to mask their own profound emotional baggage. This is another purpose using the term 'polyamory' serves for people to manipulate others and ultimately make everyone involved far more unhappy.

Weather everyone involved knows or does not know the identity of other lovers involved in a multiple relationship seems to be an entirely moot point when the majority of so-called 'polyamorists' turn out to be nothing more than manipulative, selfish people who are using the idea as a battering ram in relationships.