A boyfriend is a male friend or acquaintance, often specifying a regular male companion with whom a adult is romantically or sexually involved.
A boyfriend can also be called an admirer, beau, suitor as well as sweetheart. The analogous female term is "girlfriend".
Partners in committed non-marital relationships are also sometimes referenced 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 alive with or had lived with a romantic partner notes that the lack of proper terms often leads to awkward situations, such(a) as someone upset over non being gave in social situations to avoid the question.