ILR for partner of Brit - lived 5 years in UK - questions

[qwerty13]

I have been living in the UK with my partner for over 5 years. He is a British citizen. During this time I was first on a Holidaymaker visa and then a student visa, and have been on a Partner visa for the last 15 months.
What I want to know is, when can I apply for ILR? Does the 5 years only count if you were on a partner visa for 5 years, or does it count if you were living together in a relationship? We had already lived together 2 years by July 2012 but I didn't know that I could study on a partner visa or I would have switched from the student visa.
Any clarification greatly appreciated!

[vinny]

Unfortunately, since you switched to leave as a partner after 9th July 2012, the requirement is for SET(M) is 5 years from being initially granted FLR(M) (E-ILRP.1.3).