Yikes. Squatters' rights? Homeowner forced out of home in dispute with unwanted guests

[Ms. Toad]

14. The problem isn't Fox -

It is reporters (generally - not specific to Fox) not taking the time to understand legal concepts before they write the story. The same term is used in numerous versions of this story. When you grant someone permission to live in your space, they aren't squatters - and, depending on the law of the state, at some point you have to formally evict them in order to get them out. It makes no difference, in most states, if they are paying rent or not.

And, FWIW, that includes boyfriends/girlfriends - if you are the party on the lease/title and you let your partner stay with you, you should count on having to evict them if the relationship ends.