It is sometimes used casually towards woman and children. Many of us women find it quite patronising from a stranger or casual acquaintance. I would recommend only using it with someone you are in a relationship with, as a term of endearment.

Hello, I believe I would just use this phrase for a girlfriend or someone I am affectionate with... you can use it with a friend but I would probably simply say sweetie if it's just a friend.. this term is more neutral than my sweetheart.

Hi Ediye, "My sweetheart" is different to "sweetheart". "My sweetheart" is definitely used only when talking to someone very close to you and probably your children, or girlfriend or boyfriend. It could be used in the following ways: "She's my sweetheart" "you are my sweetheart" "That's my sweetheart", etc. However, "Sweetheart" can be used in more ways, including in a derogatory way such as: "listen sweetheart, that's my seat, move!" If someone says that to you, it's not very nice:) People use sweetheart all the time in a friendly way, particularly in the UK. Many time people have said "Hello sweetheart" to me, even when I don't know them. It's a friendly and affectionate term. It's part of everyday language in some parts of London, for example. Hope this helps! Sinead

In the US, casual use of "sweetheart" is okay between women or from a woman to a man. But, as a woman, I would be offended by any man calling me "sweetheart" unless he was my boyfriend, husband, or very very close friend. Okay - Female waitress: "Can I get you some coffee, sweetheart?" My mom: "Hi, sweetheart. I just called to see how you're doing." My boyfriend: "Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart." Not okay - Male stranger at the bus stop: "Hey, sweetheart, did the bus come yet?" My boss: "I need that report by tomorrow, sweetheart."

As Sinead said, it's also used in a friendly way between strangers. You'll hear it in the US from waitresses in diners or in small towns stores. This is particularly common in the southern US. I've never heard a complaint that it's inappropriate in that manner. It's simply the culture and many of us like to hear it.