I understand that, I was asking, what is the difference if there is one between a civil union and domestic partnership.
each state gets to define the terms on its own. for example, NJ just passed one that is EVERYTHING marriage is, without the name "marriage". other states may decide to offer no acomodations, or to offer some things (wills and estates, health care proxies, etc).
As far as I know...I don't think there is a difference between domestic partnerships and civil unions.
I may be wrong...that is a subject I am not really knowledgeable in.