Hello scorpionlady, welcome here

If your intention is to visit your partner and the UK for just a short period (maximum 6 months) then the visa for that will be Family Visa under the General Visit Visa requirements and conditions.
The major issues would be convincing UKBA that you do not have any immigration intention, that you will actually leave the UK and return home before your visa expires and that there are compelling reason for you to return home.

If your intention is to come to the UK permanently as a Civil Partner for settlement, then the visa would be Family Settlement Application for Partner.
The major issues here would be meeting the UKBA Financial Requirement in terms of the Income of your UK partner(sponsor) currently this principally means having an annual income of £18,600

Hope that helps you.

Take a look here for details of a Visit Visa

Take a look at this forum thread for details of a Partner Settlement Visa
All New Guide - How to apply for a Spouse/Partner Visa