TOO OLD TO GO STEADY

Tonight the topic of middle aged dating came up here at the papermill. Guys and gals, I need some input and a few fresh ideas. The fellows I work with all read this blog and want to know the opinions of the Blogsphere.

I and most of my workmates are in our 30s, 40s or 50s. There are quite a few of us who are single (swing shift is hell on relationships). So the questions are..........

What do you call your amour when it's more than a date but not quite an engagement? "Girlfriend/Boyfriend" sounds childish. "Lover" is too much info for
the general public. "Friend" trivializes something precious. So who is that person hanging onto your arm and trying to crawl into your bed???

What do you call your relationship? "Going Steady" smacks of highschool and teen
crushes. What do you call a mature relationship??

Come on folks, inquiring minds are waiting for the benefit of your wisdom and imagination.