Alterous attraction is a form of emotional attraction. It describes a feeling that is not necessarily platonic/queerplatonic, but also is not romantic in nature. The term was first introduced in approximately 2015.[1] Since then, it has been variously used for a pull toward emotional closeness or intense feelings that may or may not have any relation to the romantic/nonromantic binary.[2] Since 2016, some definitions of alterous have been criticized for implying than platonic or nonromantic feelings are inherently weaker than romantic ones.[3]
An alterous crush is known as a mesh, although the term is not widely used. One who does not experience alterous attraction may identify as a-alterous or nonalterous.
Flag
The alterous flag was made in 2016 by Tumblr user Alterous-Albatross. According to the introduction post, "The yellow stands for platonic. The gray stands for the gray area between romantic and platonic attraction. Pink represents affection. Red represents romantic."[4]