What do you consider cheating? Exchange of bodily fluids? Is it more than just a physical or sexual connection? Can it be emotional? Is it the relationship, or the individual that "cause" one partner to cheat?

And lastly, why do you think people cheat?

I think the definition of cheating should be determined by the couple. Some people are more sensitive than others. If their partner is aware of this sensitivity, for example if a man is well aware that french kissing another woman will have a great effect on his girlfriend/wife, then engaging in said act could be classified as cheating for that couple. But then you'll have couples who'll take a more relaxed approach to physical interaction with other people, so if for example a couple has agreed that fully-fledged intercourse is the final straw, then only sex constitutes as cheating. Kissing may be unacceptable, but not necessarily cheating. Then again, kissing could be perfectly acceptable but oral sex still isn't cheating. It depends entirely on the couple.

Personally, I think it's rare that "cheating" exists in any other form outside the physical sense.

People may cheat for a variety of reasons, depending on their personallity and their relationship.

Some egomaniacs will constantly look for a confidence-boost in different partners. They may be aware that they possess the ability to attract many partners, and utilise this to their advantage. They may feel that the quantity of partners they can pull validates their good looks, charisma, charm, etc. Hence, they tend to value their sense of self-worth over their relationship.

While overly-high self-esteem can result in the desire to cheat, so can low self-esteem. A person might be inclined to grasp every romantic oppertunity they encounter, because they fear another one may not come along. For this reason. They might be in a relationship with someone they don't necessarily hold in any special regard, but maintain due to "low standards". They're more attracted to the fact that someone wants them, rather than being attracted to the person themselves.

Some people cheat because they are bored with their lives, and seek something fresh and exciting in their lives. Accordingly, they may feel bored with their relationship, and seek something fresh and exciting in a different partner. Some get a sense of thrill from the possibility of being caught, so this is further incentive to cheat.

The reasons go on.

I think there's as many reasons to cheat as there are to get out of bed in the morning; though really they're all selfish and wrong in their own way.

As for what constitutes as actual cheating. Well, there's the obvious, if he sleeps with another girl or has oral sex. Also, I consider him romantically kissing another girl cheating too. Not just a peck on the cheek, but kissing someone else with passion and want, sorry I'm monogamous that way. Finding out the boyfriend has feelings or romantic intentions or a certain connection with someone else is normally a giant red flag to maybe end the relationship too (that's advice I normally can't fallow.)

Cheating. Being cheated on. Sucks.

You were cheated on? I'm so sorry to hear that, hun. I hope you gave your partner what for

I pretty much feel the same way as you in regards to what I personally consider cheating. While I don't think that the boyfriend having feelings for someone else is "cheating" as such, it can cause complications and I would be extremely hurt.

Me and boy were discussing this, and I'd rather him just fuck someone than go out on a date and talk all night with her and 'connect'.
Also, I counsider all the usual stuff cheating, kissing, fucking etc

I have also been cheated on, 4 years ago I think it's because I am high maintenance & he was fed up of me. Fair enough.