Haven't had a girlfriend yet, but I've had several friends that I didn't know they were gay/bi until they used the word "girlfriend," and I knew when they said it that they meant they were in a relationship.
In Scotland girlfriend can mean either a friend or in a relationship. For instance it's easier to say girlfriend than it is to say "a girl who I am friends with". However the last thing I think of when a girl talks about a girlfriend is that they're in a relationship. Though there can be confusion!
I tried coming out to my cousin by saying "me and my girlfriend aren't doing anything over spring break..ugh" and she's like "yeah my friends aren't doing anything either, lame". and I was just like shit what do i do now
I don't have a girlfriend yet, but when I do, I'll prefer the term girlfriend over partner. I'd really only use partner when I'm trying to be a smartass. I guess in a relationship would be good to use, but if people can't take a hint, that's their problem.
It's always been a pet peeve of mine when straight girls call their friends "girlfriend". You don't see any straight guys calling their friends "boyfriend". When someone says "My girlfriend" I almost always assume they are gay, even if they're not (To which I'll apologize) because you could have just said "friend" or "female friend". Why separate your friends by gender? Plus, it makes things harder and more awkward for real lesbians. My mom didn't even know I was taking about a romantic relationship when I brought up my first girlfriend.
I don't usually call my friends girlfriends, most of my friends are guys anyway but I call them all my friend, except I call my best friend my best friend (duh) lol
I guess this question is directed to females .... but I also have a friend from EC and shes a girl. so .... I have a girl-friend :O
I haven't had a girlfriend but in the area I live in I'm pretty sure people would assume that it meant relationship. In this area the only people who refer to their female friends as girlfriends tend to be older women.
