Homogamy, Hypergamy, Hypogamy

This is a marriage between individuals who are, in some culturally important way, similar to each other. Homogamy may be based on socioeconomic status, class, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Concerning age homogamy, there is an old maxim, "Never date anyone under half your age plus seven." This rule of thumb is sometimes used to judge whether the age differences in potential intimate relationships are socially acceptable within a Western-oriented culture. Homogamy can also refer to the socialization customs of a particular group; such that people who are similar in religion, class, gender, or culture tend to socialize with one another.

Hypergamy, or marrying up is the practice of marrying someone wealthier, or of higher caste or status than oneself. The term is not gender specific, but it is generally used by social scientists to refer to women marrying higher-status men, rather than to men marrying higher-status women.

Hypogamy typically refers to instances of marrying a person of lower social class or status. So, this hypergamist and hypogamist got married and lived happily ever after.