When and where to use the word....

In american culture, many people like to use the word , such as "honey"'baby ".....i want to know when and where they use these .
It seems most situations they use "honey"?
i hear many songs will sing "baby, I love u."
also, many african culture they call even same gender "baby".
so, is the word "baby" used in different situations? In europe, people from high education seldom use this word "baby"to call their girlfriend or boyfriend, but in american culture it seems even the high educated also use this word, is it common thing, is it a slang?
and also, if a person call the other"baby" when they meet the first time, how do u think?

I really don't know what is "right" or "wrong" but South Africans use "baby" and "honey" as terms of endearment. I call my hubby "Babes" and he calls me that too (on a good day)