4. Terra, 26. The words I use most are sweetie (for someone Im sweet on, dating regularly), partner for more serious/integrated relationships, and lover or friend/lover for friends and lovers.

What do you call an unmarried partner?

“Partner” sounds business-like and quite a few same-sex couples use the term, so if you are not gay, it may mislead during the introduction. “Paramour” is old-fashioned. “Beau” is again formal and dated, “fiance” implies plans to marry, “escort” may imply “for pay,” “soul mate” is sappy.

What do adults call their significant other?

“Partner” is the most generically accepted term, and seemed fine for most, but feels, well, generic. With the marriage equality act firmly in place, using the term partner doesnt automatically signal that you are gay, and when you are not sure, it is the politically correct way to ask, “do you have a partner?”