What is the Difference Between Spouse and Partner?

The main difference between a spouse and a partner is that a spouse is a person who is legally married, while a partner is someone in a long-term, committed relationship but is not legally married. Here are some key distinctions between the two:

Legal Status: A spouse is legally married, which means they have specific rights and obligations under the law, such as inheritance, shared property, and the right to make medical decisions for their partner. A partner, on the other hand, does not have these legal rights and obligations.
Commitment: Both spouses and partners are in long-term, committed relationships, but the commitment of a spouse is based on a legal partnership, while a partner's commitment is based on a domestic partnership or a romantic relationship.
Children: Both spouses and partners can raise children, but children of married couples are often more socially accepted and recognized in traditional societies.
Social Recognition: Marriage typically has social benefits, as people are more likely to take a relationship seriously if the couple is married. However, some people choose to cohabitate rather than get married, and their relationships can still be considered valid and committed.

In summary, a spouse is a legally married person, while a partner is someone in a long-term, committed relationship without being legally married. Both relationships involve commitment and can involve raising children, but there are differences in legal status, social recognition, and the rights and obligations associated with each role.