Dating in the DMV: Survey Reveals Trends
The world’s largest relationship company Match.com recently released key findings from its eighth annual Singles in America study that surveys more than 5,000 single non-Match members over the age of 18 living in the U.S. to learn more about their dating habits.
Singles across the U.S. are indicating new trends for the future of dating. (Photo: Thinkstock)
The purpose of the study is to predict the future of dating by pulling data that can reveal anything from new trends on shifting gender norms to evolution of casual dating across generations t0r whether digital dating helps or hinders romance.
Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and chief scientific advisor to Match, found that the survey redefines courtship in both healthy and creative ways. While some couples take their time to get to know one another before getting intimate, others run to the bedroom before or after a first date. However, she said the survey indicates that more and more singles value first dates and see it as an official start to a new potential relationship.
Match’s study also found that more than half of U.S. singles have tried online dating or dating apps and that the internet was the No. 1 place where singles met their last first date. Are we surprised? Of course not — digital dating is here to stay.
Match provided customized data from the study for DC on Heels that indicates the following trends in our area:
First date tip
Eighty-seven percent of single males in the DMV would like a compliment on a first date. For the record, I’m sure this goes for ladies too — tell us we are pretty and smart.
Social etiquette
Thriteen percent of singles in the DMV would like to see a photo or post of their date on social media before a first date. Multiple photos are necessary to even consider a first date with someone new.
Cross-party dating
Seventy-one percnet of singles in the DMV would date across party lines. So while Democrats and Republicans stand divided in politics, singles seem to care less abut political views when it comes to romance.
What’s the difference between good sex and bad sex? Let data tell you! (Photo provided by Match.com)
Good consensual sex
According to the area singles surveyed, the things most important for good consensual sex are an enthusiastic partner (83 percent), a caring partner (80 percent), communication (77 percent), a good kisser (76 percent) and foreplay (72 percent).
First night in
Area singles think listening to music (87 percent), watching a dramatic movie (85 percent), watching a TV show (81 percent), cooking (80 percent) or watching a romantic comedy (78 percent) are acceptable for a night in with a new partner.
Apple trumps Android
Seventy-eight percent of area singles would be turned on if a partner had an iPhone compared to 60 percent who would be turned on if it was an Android. A smart watch is a bonus, with 59 percent of singles in the DMV being turned on by their partner owning one.
Tech turn offs
Area singles are turned off if a partner does not have internet (75 percent), steals the neighbors internet (73 percent), doesn’t have a computer/laptop (68 percent), does not have a TV (66 percent) or doesn’t have cable/satellite (52 percent).
Cleanliness wins
The No. 1 thing area singles are most turned on by when going to a new partner’s house for the first time are clean bathrooms (93 percent), followed by nice sheets (91 percent), lawn care (88 percent), lots of books (87 percent) and having it professionally decorated (75 percent).
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.
