High levels of non-sexual emotional intimacy in adults may occur without the participants being bound by other intimate relationships or may occur between people in other relationships. "Attachment Theory" research reflects both constructs.
The term often describes a bond between two people that mimics the closeness and emotional intimacy of a romantic relationship while never being
physically consummated. An emotional affair is sometimes referred to as an
affair of the heart. An emotional affair may emerge from a
friendship, and progress toward greater levels of personal intimacy and attachment. What distinguishes an emotional affair from a friendship is the assumption of emotional roles between the two participants that mimic of those of an actual relationship - with regards to confiding personal information and turning to the other person during moments of vulnerability or need.