Usage of the word 'lover'

[Daemon99]

Can the word lover be used to mean girlfriend/boyfriend? How often is this word used in spoken English?
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Non-native speaker of English
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I intend to live forever - so far, so good.

[Mister Micawber]

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'Lover' means sexual partner, and should not be used except between intimate friends who are willing to share such confidences.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's