Is there a special word in backgammon when you pass each other and there’s no chance of attack?

Never heard of such a thing. And my rule book makes no mention, either.

I’m not sure exactly the situation you mean, but maybe “Break Contact”, as described on this Backgammon glossary.

Covered?

Break Contact.

Double check me, but I think that’s the term. I haven’t played backgammon in years. We used to also say “it’s just a race now,” but I think that was an expression in my family.

I just saw @Zaku had it. I didn’t notice when I first came to the Q.

Lovely to see you here, Ben.

Thanks, @Zaku and @JLeslie!! Just what I was looking for.