Partnership: Cooperation, Commitment, Equality, and Consent
Partnership is a relationship based on cooperation, shared responsibility, mutual support, or commitment and may be personal, romantic, sexual, legal, or professional.
Common-Law Marriage: Legal Status, Cohabitation, and Rights
Common-law marriage is a legally recognized marital relationship that may arise without a conventional ceremony when specific local requirements are met.
Domestic Partnership: Legal Recognition, Rights, and Relationships
Domestic partnership is a committed relationship that may provide registered partners with selected legal rights, responsibilities, or employment benefits.
Civil Union: Legal Partnership, Rights, and Relationship Status
A civil union is a legally recognized partnership that may provide some or many marriage-like rights without formally classifying the couple as married.