I think there is a difference between an open relationship and dating other people. Opening a relationship up to others would assume that there is a relationship present to begin with. That relationship, on whatever level (dating, engagement, married) is a social and even legal contract. Opening it is a negotiation of that social contract. It would be mutually agreed upon by two people to their agreement.

Dating six people at a time in order to determine who the winner is, is not polyamory to me.

I think when we apply the term polyamory to casually dating multiple people with demeans the value of a true, loved based relationship that involves multiple people. My opinion is that dating six people casually isn’t about love or fostering strong relationships. It’s keeping options open.