Lover

Lover is a personal, flexible term for someone with whom a person shares a romantic, intimate, or sexual connection. Some people use it affectionately for a long-standing partner; others use it for a connection that does not fit labels such as dating, spouse, friend, or partner.

The word alone does not establish exclusivity, commitment, availability, or the exact nature of the relationship. Its meaning belongs to the people using it, rather than to a fixed rule in a profile or social setting.

As with any self-chosen label, asking rather than guessing is considerate. Open communication helps people describe a connection in language that feels accurate to them.