Name for a couple who, for one reason or another, do not get married, but live as if they were married and have a long term committment to each other. This can include live in boy/girl friends and most committed gay couples. The term 'life partner' carries with it certain sexual/erotic connotations. It's generally assumed that the couple in question are sleeping together. Not to be confused with the very similar Platonic Life Partners.

Life partners are starting to be acknowledged by employers and insurance companies as valid recipients for policies, equivalent to spouses.

ex. 'Hi, I'm John, and this is my partner Joe.'