difference between honey, darling, dear, sweetheart...

[Reihaneh.b.f]

I want to know the difference between honey, darling, dear, sweetheart...
I want to know if all of them use for same sexes too, for example can I as a girl say honey or sweetheart to my girlfriend? or I should use them for different sex?
which one is more popular to say my close friend?

[bhaisahab]

I want to know the difference between honey, darling, dear, sweetheart...
I want to know if all of them use for same sexes too, for example can I as a girl say honey or sweetheart to my girlfriend? or I should use them for different sex?
which one is more popular to say my close friend?

They are all possible with either sex, and in practise there is no difference in meaning.

[Barb_D]

I think "Yes, dear" has become associated with some rather "un-loving" thoughts.

[TheParser]

I want to know the difference between honey, darling, dear, sweetheart...
I want to know if all of them use for same sexes too, for example can I as a girl say honey or sweetheart to my girlfriend? or I should use them for different sex?
which one is more popular to say my close friend?

NOT A TEACHER


(1) I think that you should be very careful before you use any of these words with

either males or females.

(2) You say that you are a female. Therefore, it would be a very unwise step to address

men with these words. You should use those words only with your husband (or the

man you plan to marry). If you use those words with other men, those men might

think bad things about you.

(3) Here in the United States, it is OK for women to use affectionate terms when

speaking with other women, so I think that it's OK to refer to your girlfriends as "honey," "darling." or "dear." But I think that you should not use "sweetheart."

You should use that word only with your husband (or husband-to-be).

P.S. Here in the United States, women may call their female friends "girlfriends."

But men may NOT refer to their male friends as "boyfriends." Only gay men may

use this word.

[Reihaneh.b.f]

thanks for your full explanation