In general, the norm is boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, etc. I never heard partner until after college and started using it pretty regularly (I mean, it just sounds so much more eloquent. Also anyone can be partners, married or just dating), but I think it’s an easy way for LGBT+ folk to not ‘out’ themselves when talking to inconsequential people.

Frankly anything by Pearl Jam. Maybe I need to give them a fair listen, I know that people love Ten, but I just find Eddie Vedder’s voice incredibly annoying.