Given the increasing scientific and social relevance, the present paper retraces the main conceptualizations and lines of theoretical and empirical research concerning the characteristics of the homosexual couple, useful in clinical practice as in research facilities, with the ultimate purpose of contrasting many widespread stereotypes about homosexual couples. In detail, first the salient aspects and dynamics in relation to one specific type of non-traditional couples will be analyzed: the same-sex couple, then it will be differentiated between the gay couple and the lesbian couple; later instead the similarities and the differences between homosexual couples and heterosexual couples will be examined.
Keywords: Gay couple, lesbian couple, relationship dynamics, stereotype, psychotherapy with same-sex couples, relationship quality.