when does a bf/gf become a partner?

donquine

To me, partners are people who act like they're married, but aren't. Generally, that involves living together and having shared financial responsibilities.

If someone is your partner, you can describe them as your BF/GF. However, if someone is your BF/GF, partner doesn't work interchangeably.

I understand the sentiment ('only bring someone if you're in a long term committed relationship, not someone you've been on two dates with') but it comes across a bit harsh! I hate going to social events by myself, so if I was single and couldn't bring a friend, I'd probably just not go.

boyang

I'm not sure that living together automatically = 'partnership'. As we are both in the Forces, my OH and I live in separate places in the week and together at weekends in one of 3 places (my house, his house where he has his kids or his place near his work place). Some people obviously don't see that as living together and therefore that our relationship isn't serious. BUT we left our spouses to be together and have every intention of living together when circumstances permit, so we both view our relationship as committed as we can possibly get right now.

Having said that, I'm not sure about the term partner. What am I, a cowboy?!

mrbrightside842

goggle wrote: »

talking to a pal last night - they had invites to a work do for "yourself & your partner". They've been told that this isn't a "+1", it's only for partners not flavour of the week!
She wondered how someone defined a partner - now obviously your husband/wife/civil partner, I guess a live-in-lover counts too & we know that the person you picked up in the club last night doesn't ... but when does a bf/gf become a partner & not just a bf/gf?

To me, they don't as such. They're either a girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband. I don't really do names for anything in between. I can see the difference between a new girlfriend or a long term one, but I wouldn't use anything to describe them any differently.