...to think 'partner' means a cohabiting partner, not just boyfriend.

[fideline]

This has twice caused major confusion recently.

I realise most of the time it doesn't really matter much, but referring to someone you are 'just' dating as your partner is confusing wrong.

Isn't it?

[daisychain01]

Just alighted on this interesting thread. Full marks must go to blessed for the most spectacular ever hi-jack of someone else's thread!!

fideline my FWIW opinion is that I agree, the word "partner" implies some significant commitment in the relationship, at least to have been together as a couple for a considerable time and maybe whether not planning to get married yet, or at all, or not wanting to use the word fiancé/e, which isnt everyone's cup of tea.

To my mind calling someone your partner kinda speaks to the fact you've both earned your stripes so to speak and it is beyond the boyfriend/girlfriend stage. But that isnt in a judgemental way, just the implication of the word.

At work I say "my other half" about my dp, but that's coz he is!

at the 22yo who has had 3 long term relationships

Probably lots of xposts, but its a very long thread!