Difference between Homosexual and Heterosexual

Key Difference: The term 'homosexual' is used for people who are attracted to the same sex and have sexual behavior for same gender. Heterosexuals are people who get attracted to the people of opposite sex.

Homosexuality, along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, are the three main categories of sexual orientation; asexuality is also included sometimes. Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. It is when a person, whether male or female is attracted to a person of the same sex. Homosexuals are commonly termed as lesbians for females and gays for males; however, gay is now generally used to refer to both males and females. Many gay and lesbian people are in committed same-sex relationships.

Heterosexual is a term used for the people who get attracted to the people of the opposite sex. Majority of the human civilization consists of the heterosexuals i.e. a couple consists of a male and a female partner. Unlike homosexuals, heterosexuals do not get sexually or romantically attracted to the people of the same gender. The term can be shortened to "hetero" as a slang term. Also, ‘straight’ is a slang term used for heterosexuals in contrast to the term ‘gay’.

The following table shows the difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals:

	Homosexual	Heterosexual
Definition	A person who has sexual attraction or conducts sexual behavior to the members of the same sex or gender.	A term used for the people who get attracted to the people of the opposite sex.
Includes	The people who get attracted to the same sex.	People who experience a sexual relationship and attraction for the people of opposite sex.
Applies to	Both, males and females.	Both, males and females.
Discrimination	Lesbians may become the victims of "corrective rape", a violent crime with the supposed aim of making them heterosexual. Gay bullying is the most common discrimination. It can be the verbal or physical abuse against a person who is perceived by the aggressor to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.	Majority of people in the world are heterosexual and because of this they usually aren't discriminated against.
Sexual Relations	Homosexuals have sexual relations with the people of their sex (same sex). Among the LGBT communities, there are many homosexuals who have multiple sexual relationships.	Heterosexuals have sexual relationships with the people of the opposite sex. However, it has been seen that few homosexuals also have been into a same-sex relationship.
Family	Conceiving a baby requires two people of the opposite sex; and due to this reason homosexuals cannot have their own children. However, many homosexual couples have adopted children and have utilized other medical ways to have their own family.	Heterosexuality includes people of opposite sexes as a couple; and this makes easier for a heterosexual couple to start their own family by giving birth to a child/children.
Legalization	Homosexual relationships and marriages are legalized in many countries but there are still a large number of countries that do not legalize homosexuals. There are many gays who have been forcefully living with heterosexuals to avoid discrimination and violence by other people.	Heterosexual relationships and marriages are legalized and respected all over the world.