An AI girlfriend is a conversational software character, usually powered by a large language model, designed to simulate a romantic or affectionate relationship with a user. These apps typically pair text chat with a persistent persona, memory features, and sometimes voice or generated images.
The category has grown quickly since the early 2020s, and it sits at the center of ongoing debates about emotional dependency, data privacy, and how synthetic intimacy affects real relationships. Knowing where an app falls on the scripted-to-generative spectrum helps users set expectations before they invest time or money.
Also called: AI companion, virtual girlfriend, chatbot girlfriend, AI partner, synthetic companion, AI boyfriend
