When does someone go from being a "boyfriend" to a "partner"

i hate the term "partner", it makes a relationship sound like some kind of business or law firm

 

Same feelings.

The say way 'domestic partnerships' sound governmental and civil unions sound business-orientated.

 

To me partner means permanent, like a spouse but without officially being married. Though really the first thing it reminds me of is a business partner.

 

To me "partner" seems too much like a friend. Like Batman & Robin are "partners". People use partners in so many different ways. But boyfriend means one thing. That's kinda why I want to move to Canada. I don't want a "partner", I want a husband.

 

I concur. I was once at my teacher's house, and his wife was telling me a story of her brother. She said he was living in Florida with his "partner." Instantly I knew she was referring to homosexuality (though I didn't know he was until after she used that word... "partner").

I can't really say what "partner" entails, but I often associate it with the concept of a person who is too "ashamed" (perhaps just nervous, scared, or uneasy) when using the term "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" referring to a same-sex couple. "Partner" is an asexual term, and perhaps they feel more comfortable when using non gender-specific pronouns.

 

Never using the term partner. Ever.

 

I don't like the term...never have. I'm not trying to conform to the straight world, but whenever I talk to couples who aren't married, they don't call the other their partner they call them their boyfriend or girlfriend so why should it be different for gays? And what's more, I find that come marriage or domestic partnership or civil unions amongst gay most of them call each other partner and I can't help but think "why can't you call them your husband or wife?!" So yeah I find partner is just a silly thing. Partner to me means either in a law firm OR a partner in dancing OR a partner in like school group project NOT the person you are with in love.

 

I also hate the term "partner" it sounds too business like heres my work partner or school partner. I like the term Joy Behar uses "spousal equivalent" but if I'm dating a guy for a long time I'm eventually going to call him my husband even if were not married.

 

I concur with about everyone here.

 

I always saw it as being purely about whatever preference the couple has. Although it seems to apply to couples that've been together for a long time.

I wouldn't use it, it sounds so... Strange.

 

I don't like "partner" either. I prefer boyfriend. And if I ever were to get married, he'd be my husband, not partner. I seriously don't get how people started using the word partner for marriage.

 

I actually like Partner better to me it makes it seem as if we are equals. Also the term "boyfriend" then infers that one of us has to be the "women" of the relationship. I'd rather not stick with hetero terms either way.

 

I think you're going to have to explain that one.

 

i tend to avoid boyfriend it sounds childish to me and makes me think of them school romances where people went out for like a day then the next was with someone else,

partner i see as a long term committed thing which is what i want someone by my side to experience the world with.

husband is totally fine as that is what you are to each other.

also i dont believe anyone has to be the female in the relationship your boyfriend &boyfriend , husband & husband...