Platonic love or platonic relationship means a close relationship between two people that is not sexual. It means a non-romantic relationship, usually between heterosexual (opposite sex) friends.
The term is named after the philosopher Plato, although the philosopher never used the term himself. He was the first to describe this kind of love. Plato calls this his theory of erôs (meaning "love"). He describes this philosophy in his dialogues the Phaedrus and the Symposium. Like many in his society, Plato was most interested in the same-sex relationships between older and younger men. But his theory can apply to other kinds of erotic relationships as well. Platonic love includes a sexual desire that is overcome by a stronger desire and appreciation for friendship.