Partner vs. Boyfriend

[leprecon182]

So, my BF and I just got into a small argument in car about the difference between the terms boyfriend & partner. I personally don't see a difference between calling him my BF and calling him my partner. However, he says that me calling him my partner is basically saying we are engaged and "boyfriend" just means dating. I was just curious if anyone else has an opinion on this topic.

 

[Ragoris]

I personally don't see how "partner" would mean that you are engaged... considering I think "boyfriend" sounds like you're closer then "partner"... But maybe thats just me.

 

[sixthson]

I would agree with your bf. Partner signifies something very significant like committment, living together, a sense of permanence. While your partner is your bf, your bf may not necessarily be your partner.

 

[panda29]

I agree with sixthson . My partner and I have been together for 5 years altho it is not legal in Michigan I consider us as married couple..

 

[omgitsmetoo]

I hate the term partner... It sounds too impersonal.

 

[soccerboy029]

Yeah, I think partner sounds like a business associate. But if you mean with boyfriend what he means with partner, compromise and say partner - relationships are about compromise, after all.

 

[KaraBulut]

I agree with your boy... err partner. Although "partner" implies a long-term relationship where you've been living together as a couple for some time.

But you have to ask yourself whether this is about the word or about your partner feeling like you aren't as committed as he is.

Good advice from soccerboy029 on the compromise.

But also take the time to tell your guy how you feel about him and that you do feel a commitment to him- regardless of what you call each other.

 

[thermodynamics]

I do business with my partner.

Boyfriend implies dating/relationship, but no commitment.

When I eventually find my special someone, and we make commitments to each other, he will be my husband.

 

[kramer362]

Every time I hear 'partner' my mind goes back to American Beauty and the confusion it caused when it was interpreted as a business partner, so I like the sound of boyfriend better.

 

[Jerry]

For me, it's simple. We're the same as straight people right? And we deserve to be treated equally right?
So why with the exclusive terms for gay relationships?

My boyfriend is my boyfriend.

If we got engaged, he'd be my fiance since Webster defines that as a "man engaged to be married"

If we got married, he'd be my husband.


"Partner" to me sounds like an old cover for gay guys too afraid to say boyfriend, or a business thing. Ultimately though, it's about personal preference. Seems like a silly thing to argue over though

 

[leprecon182]

Thank you all for your replies, I just wanted to clarify that the argument we had was not a huge thing, it was more like a debate in the car on the way home. I was just posting this to see what other peoples takes on the 2 terms were. After reading the comments and talking more with my BF, I can understand there is a difference. I also like the term BF better then partner, it just sounds better to me. Thank you all again!