In romantic relationships, there are different names for the people in them depending on how close they are:

• Boyfriend and girlfriend are those whose relationships are still shiny and new.  Once people recognize them as “going out”, the two become a couple, and stay that way until they break up.

• Then, if the relationship grows closer, but they don’t have a formal ceremony, they become partners, and usually refer to the other person as “my partner” or “my significant other”.

• If they decide they want to get married, the boy gives the girl an engagement ring, and they are engaged.  He is the fiancé (1 E) and she is the fiancée (2 Es).

• When they stand at the altar, she is the bride and he is the groom.

• After they say their “I Dos”, they’re married, and they are husband and wife.  In formal and legal contexts, the word spouse can be used as a gender-neutral alternative.

• In all cases, the boy will probably still call the girl My better half!

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