If we call non-marriage "marriage," does that change reality or does it confuse mating couples?

We could call prison "school," but it would still be prison. We could call a tax an "investment," but would still be a tax. If we call homosexual coupling "marriage," have we changed reality? If not, do we confuse mating couples wondering whether they should "forsake all others" in marriage or hedge their bets with cohabitation?