affectional preference (countable and uncountable, plural affectional preferences)

1. (dated) Sexual or romantic orientation
   • 1976 December 18, David Holland, “Dear Santa...”, in Gay Community News, volume 4, number 25, page 11:

     I hear that you and the Ms. are going through a trial separation. I'm certain it's difficult, but really, it's not uncommon for women to come out in their more mature years. I had had hints of her affectional preference for years, but with the separation and now that she is living with her lover in the Himalayas, well, I'm afraid it can't be kept out of the papers any longer.

• Affectional preference typically did not imply a distinction between sexual and romantic orientation, two concepts that are now often considered separate. It was, however, sometimes used conjointly, as "sexual or affectional preference", implying a distinction between the two.