Survey on casual flings shows that two-thirds of people wind up having romantic feelings for their supposed “no strings attached” mate.
NEW YORK — It turns out most people do their best to turn certain “fantasies” into reality. More than half of Americans would hook up with someone who looks like their favorite celebrity.
A survey of 2,000 Americans looked at their preferences when it comes to casual relationships and found that the average respondent had the most hookups at age 27. Even if they’re older, 64 percent still have an interest in relationships that have “no strings attached.”
Although respondents don’t like when things get “messy,” one in five still make a point to get to know the people they hook up with (22%), preferably before getting hot and heavy (52%).
Do you hook up just for looks?
Three in four think it’s important that their hookup is polite and has good communication skills. People also value others who have similar moral views (21%).
Half of respondents (49%) claim to value looks and personality equally when choosing a hookup, while nearly a quarter admit a person’s looks (23%), including their smile (62%), body type (60%), or eyes (59%) are the most attractive qualities to them. On the other hand, two-thirds of respondents size up their potential mate’s style and nearly half are more likely to hook up with someone who posts “racy” photos online (49%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of HUD App, the survey also looked at how people factor in compatibility for their hookups and found that 69 percent would only start a “no strings attached” relationship with someone they had chemistry with. Another 77 percent believe that sexual compatibility is important in a hookup.
Forty-three percent of Americans have even exited in the middle of hooking up with someone after realizing they weren’t compatible in the bedroom. Respondents had a few different definitions of what it means to be compatible, including being “able to connect,” “being able to live together,” or even “being able to smoothly do ‘the dance of life.’”
“Compatibility is key to making a meaningful connection with someone, whether it’s for a casual encounter or a dating relationship,” says Katie Wilson, HUD dating app’s communications director, in a statement. “Be intentional about looking for someone you’re compatible with – your dating life will be better if you avoid time-wasters right from the start.”
Yes, strings attached
Two in three Americans thought they were so compatible with a previous hookup that they wished they could have started a serious relationship with them afterward.
Another 68 percent admit they’re likely to develop romantic feelings for someone they hook up with. That’s why 18 percent of respondents rarely or never hook up with the same person more than once — citing that they “don’t want unnecessary attachment,” “it may lead to uncomfortable scenarios,” or “because it’s no longer hooking up.”
Compatibility especially matters for 74 percent who say they’d hook up with someone more than once if they had great chemistry. Two in three would be open to getting a friend’s opinion on whether someone is a good or bad fit for a hookup.
Speaking of friends, half of Americans would be willing to hook up with a friend and 46 percent would do so with an ex. However, a third of respondents would rather mix with someone from a website or app match (32%) because it’s more exciting (69%), they’re looking to meet someone new (64%), or because they’re not interested in anyone they already know (53%).
“Who doesn’t love that electrifying thrill you feel when you’re hooking up with someone you’re newly attracted to?” Wilson adds. “Being open to new people and experiences can stimulate unexpected, exhilarating connections and infuse your dating life with excitement.”