Survey reveals the state of dating in America

If you’ve ever wondered what other people think about dating and relationships, now’s your chance to get a peek into the minds of Americans.

Dating by the numbers

The recently-released 2013 State of Dating in America Report netted some interesting results and we’re sharing them with you.

Study details

According to the study, which surveyed more than 2,700 U.S. singles between the ages of 18 and 60, singles in America today are more progressive than ever when it comes to sex, living arrangements and gender roles, but still maintain traditional values when it comes to marriage and family.

The new report was jointly released by ChristianMingle.com, the largest and fastest growing online community for Christian singles, and JDate.com, the iconic community responsible for more Jewish marriages than all other dating sites combined. “Single adults make up an increasing portion of the American population. With the State of Dating in America survey, we wanted to get to the root of their views on relationships, sex, marriage and more,” said Greg Liberman, President and CEO of Spark Networks, which owns and operates both ChristianMingle and JDate. “The results provide unique insights into the minds of today’s singles as they navigate the ever-evolving dating and relationships landscape.”

Noteworthy stats

• 87 percent of singles think online dating is a great way to meet people
• Both men and women agree it is safer to meet someone through online dating than in a bar
• 85 percent of singles say sex before marriage is acceptable
• A majority of singles say it doesn’t matter whether the man or woman is the breadwinner
• 78 percent of men believe the man should pay on the first date and 55 percent of women agree
• 62 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds would be disappointed if they never got married
• Both men and women say their mothers have the biggest influence on who they marry
• Nearly three-quarters of singles are looking for a partner who shares their religious faith
• All women surveyed believe passionately kissing another is considered unfaithful; 86 percent of men agree
• 82 percent of women believe texting or online flirting is cheating; just 56 percent of men agree

What does it mean?

“The State of Dating in America report puts a microscope on what today’s singles really think and feel when it comes to dating,” said Rachel Sussman, marriage and family therapist and licensed clinical social worker. Sussman partnered with JDate and ChristianMingle to analyze the findings and provide her expert insights. “The results of the study are consistent with what I see day in and day out as I counsel singles and couples about the obstacles, issues and questions that arise while on the road to developing successful modern relationships.”

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