Teen/College Dating

Risman, Barbara, and Pepper Schwartz. 2002. "After the Sexual Revolution: Gender Politics in Teen Dating." Contexts, 1, Spring, pp. 16-24.
England, Paula, and Rubin Thomas. 2007. "The Decline of the Date and the Rise of the College Hookup." Pp. 151-162 in Arlene S. Skolnick& Jerome H. Skolnick (Eds.), Family in Transition (14th Ed.). New York: Allyn & Bacon.

Although many researchers today are claiming that sexual activity among teens is decreasing, Risman and Schwartz claim that sexual activity itself is not decreasing among this age group, it is simply changing. Teens are still having sex at relatively the same age as in past decades, but it is occurring more within relationships as opposed to one-night stands with people they don't really know. In the past the age of first sexual relations was significantly higher for boys than for girls, suggesting that there was a groups of "loner" fast girls who would be with multiple partners in a short time. Over time the ages of the two groups has leveled, suggesting that boys are now waiting also for a relationship to have sex.
Another reason for suggested decreased sexual activity is the fact that the number of recorded abortions, STD's, and other sexually related diseases has gone down in the past few decades. But since we have seen that sexual activity has indeed stayed the same, it seems as if teens are just acting smarter about their decisions, and practicing safe sex. This could be a result of increased knowledge about the consequences of unprotected sex, or the fact that girls now have more of a say in the matter of sexual relations.
Among college students however, something completely different was discussed by England and Thomas. As opposed to first being in a relationship and then participating in sexual relations, due to a phenomenon called the "hook up", there has been almost a complete disappearance in the "date" and an increase in pre-relational sexual activity that may lead to a relationship over time. The typical path to a relationship as discussed by a student in the article is first there is a crush involved, then some shared activity such as a party or event, usually some alcohol, and then leaving together to "hook up". This does not necessarily mean sex, but typically more than kissing is involved. This can occur for an unspecified amount of time, and through hooking up two people may develop romantic feelings towards one another and begin to date.
In terms of gender, the stigma of sex has somewhat disappeared, as long as there is commitment and love involved. However, there is still somewhat of a double standard concerning how one conducts themselves in between sexual relations. Although girls and women are seen as legitimate taking part in sexual relations with a boyfriend/mate, they still receive the label of "slut" easier than men do when switching between partners too fast. Even if she is in a relationship, and moves to another one, if the move is too fast she could be labeled as easy. This stigma is just not there for men, they are often congratulated for an increased number of sexual relations.
My own experiences in high school experiences do not correspond to Risman and Schwartz's observations/findings, because I was in a circle of friends where if sexual activity occurred, it was not talked about. I do feel as though since graduating, and seeing my friends younger siblings go through my old high school, things have changed; because of the increased amount of sex in the media, it has become more of a part of life than something not to be talked about. My friend's little sister knew more when she was in 8th grade than I did when I was graduating High School. And that could say something about my religious upbringing, but I think it also attests to the increase of sexual discussion/participation in every day life.
Since having come to college I have noticed the almost disappearance of the date; I have been on several during my time here, but most of them were with guys that I already knew. Only a few were with people whom I met on a whim or had seen around that asked me to go out. I feel this is a shame, because the fun part of starting a new relationship is the getting ready, and going out and having to get to know someone through talking and spending time together. I feel that with the increase of hookup, and the scapegoat of alcohol, people are just maneuvering around the awkward jitters of getting to know someone, and moving straight to the physical part. Then if the physical aspect continues to work for a while, the dates will ensue.
I also think a reason for the increase in hooking up is because college has become such a state of limbo - there are really no rules, and so people feel they can get away with getting drunk and hooking up with someone, with no consequences. I hope that once we get out of college this will cease.