Since everyone navigates singledom differently, how are we supposed to know what everyone else is up to, especially when it comes to dating and sex? An estimated 107 million Americans aren’t married, but the huge range of diversity in preferences and practices makes the world of dating a scary-looking place.

Newly released data from online dating site Match.com may help shed more light on what the single life entails. The site’s 3rd annual “Singles In America” survey, conducted in association with biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher and Kinsey Institute, evolutionary biologist Dr. Justin R. Garcia, polled 5,000 single men and women and over 1,000 married individuals about sex and relationships. The participants, who were not drawn from Match.com’s member pool but instead represent a national representative sample, answered over 200 questions each.

This year’s findings indicate that, as already suspected, the ideas of a widespread “hookup culture” among young Americans and the death of marriage have been blown out of proportion. In a press release, Dr. Fisher stated: “Despite all we hear about hooking up and divorce, we now have significant data that shows American singles (including men) are earnestly seeking respect, trust, transparency and commitment in a relationship.”

“Friends With Benefits” Are More Common Than Ever

47 percent of singles (40 percent of women and 53 percent of men) have had a friends with benefits relationship in the past. These arrangements are actually turning into relationships — 44 percent of 2012 respondents entered a long-term relationship with their FWB partner, compared to 20 percent of 2011 respondents.

More Americans Are Meeting Dates Online

Most People Are Putting A Partner’s Satisfaction First

It seems that knowing the potential repercussions of sexting hasn’t stopped anyone from doing it. Fifty-seven percent of single men and 45 percent of single women have received a sext; 23 percent have shared a received sext with others.

Digital Transparency Is A Must

Your Online Persona Is More Important Than Ever

Single People Are Optimistic About Marriage

Married People Have More Orgasms

Everybody SnoopsWhen digital transparency isn’t an option, many individuals are taking matters into their own hands. Singles in their 20s are the most likely to snoop around than any other age group. Twenty-nine percent have logged into the Facebook profile of someone they’ve dated, 18 percent into a date’s email account, and 26 percent have read a date’s text messages. Offline, nearly one quarter of all single women will search a date’s pockets, closets, or drawers.

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