When you're sharing your emotions, one way to determine if you are complaining or venting is if you are open minded. Complainers only see it from their point of view. They are not open to other possibilities or ideas. That's why they often complain about the same thing over and over.

Is venting whining?

When we voice legitimate dissatisfactions but do so without the goal of attaining a resolution we are merely venting. And when the dissatisfactions we voice are inconsequential and not worthy of special attention, we are whining.

Why is venting bad?

Venting feels great in the moment, but it can actually make you feel worse in the long run. This is because venting can increase your stress and anger rather than reduce them. ... Cooling yourself off, regaining perspective, and expressing your stress in positive ways can be more healing in the long run.