In the 1970s, for long term couples who weren't getting married anytime soon. It sounds weird when you are 35 to say you have a "boyfriend."

When you're north of 30, talking about your "girlfriend" or "boyfriend" just sounds immature.

In New Zealand it's always been the common term.

I’ve heard people using this as a substitute for boyfriend/girlfriend and I think that’s what the OP is referring to. Like I’ve heard it Several times in the last year when the person was only in a relationship for months or up to a year and didn’t live together. In that context, I think it’s weird.

I hope I find out who you are because I'm going to say partner in front of you a million times a day and never let you know if they are male or female, just to make you even more uncomfortable. Your attitude sucks.

I dislike it. I think it comes from the UK. Also, as people marry less, the word becomes more common. I don't think it sounds lame for a 50 year old to have a boyfriend.

I think gay people used to say it before gay marriage, but now I think they should use boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife.

Spouse is a great term for use on forms so you don't have to write "next of kin" or "husband/wife". Most people don't refer to their wives as their spouse.

Gay people are introducing their boyfriend or girlfriend.

It sounds better if you say it with a western twang ... pard'ner

After gay people started doing it and under the guise of 'equity' but not wanting to admit they're not married or engaged after years.

Agree with the PPs. In addition, it’s a common term in other countries.

Do you have the same issue with the word spouse?

Partner is more neutral on gender but also has implicit in it a longer term relationship than boyfriend / girlfriend and also coneys someone who’s older. So someone who’s in their late 20s or 30s and beyond who has been living with a person for months or years would probably use the term partner rather than boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s like saying spouse but for people who did not marry.

It's been around for a while. It's meant to signify, this is more than just a boyfriend/girlfriend but we aren't legally married (maybe never will be, but treat this person like a spouse).

It's not a big deal, OP. No one is trying to hide anything. The gender is usually very clear when other references are made.

I think the connotation is that it is a more serious relationship than boyfriend/girlfriend.

And you might feel weird about being 50 and calling someone your boyfriend.

Partner tends to signify a long term commitment without a legal marriage. This is far more common now than in decades past for heterosexual and homosexual couples. Think of it as equivalent to calling someone your spouse rather than husband or wife.

I always think it sounds very awkward when people talk about their "partner." I immediately jump to - why aren't you being clear if it's a male or female? Are you trying to hide something?

I think it has become a lot more common over the last decade, but I don't like it.