3-462: A boyfriend is a regular male companion in a romantic or sexual relationship. Boyfriend ( s ) or Boy Friend ( s ) may also refer to: Boyfriend A boyfriend is a man who is a friend or acquaintance to the speaker, often specifying a regular male companion with whom a person is platonically , romantically or sexually involved . A boyfriend can also be called an admirer, beau, suitor and sweetheart. The analogous term for women
6-442: Is " girlfriend ". Partners in committed non-marital relationships are also sometimes described as a significant other or partner , especially if the individuals are cohabiting. A 2005 study of 115 people ages 21 to 35 who were either living with or had lived with a romantic partner notes that the lack of proper terms often leads to awkward situations, such as someone upset over not being introduced in social situations to avoid
9-643: The question. The word dating entered the American language during the Roaring Twenties . Prior to that, courtship was a matter of family and community interest. Starting around the time of the American Civil War , courtship became a private matter for couples. In the early to mid 19th century in the US, women were often visited by "gentleman callers", single men who would arrive at the home of
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