Premarital sex is widely accepted, although most people consider sex on a first date and open partnerships to be taboo.


The majority of respondents (65%) believe that sex between unmarried adults in a committed relationship is acceptable at least occasionally, with 43% saying it is always acceptable. Casual sex between consenting people who are not married or in a committed relationship is also often accepted (62 percent). About half of the respondents (49 percent) believe it is acceptable for consenting adults to share explicit photographs of themselves.


The public is less receptive to open relationships, which are committed relationships in which both partners agree that it is OK to date or have sex with other people.


While 32% believe this is appropriate at least occasionally (regardless of whether they would do it themselves), 48% believe open partnerships are never acceptable. Some people still believe that having sex on a first date is inappropriate. While 30% believe it can be acceptable in some or all situations, 42% believe it is never permissible.


These dating standards are increasingly acceptable to younger individuals – sometimes significantly so. For example, 70% of 18- to 29-year-olds believe consenting individuals exchanging explicit photographs of themselves is appropriate at least sometimes, whereas only 21% of those 65 and older believe this.


The Queer Community Is More Liberal


Adults who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) are more receptive to these norms than their straight counterparts. LGB adults are the only demographic category in which the majority of people believe open relationships are always or sometimes acceptable (61 percent vs. 29 percent of straight adults).


Half of the single adults say they aren’t searching for a relationship or dating right now. About half of individuals on the dating scene are interested in either a serious relationship or casual dates.


Single men are significantly more likely than single women to be looking for a relationship or dating, with 61% vs. 38%. This gender divide is particularly noticeable among older singles.


Having more important priorities right now and simply enjoying the single life are two of the most popular reasons given by singles who are not wanting to date. Non-daters under the age of 50 are more likely to declare that their current priorities are more essential. However, on America’s best online dating site – seekingdaddie.com, you are more likely to find people who are more accepting and progressive. People who are likely to befit your perception of dating and relationships.


This episode is also available as a blog post: https://seekingdaddie.wordpress.com/2021/09/03/america-frowns-upon-sex-on-the-first-date-but-embraces-premarital-sex/