a new relationship after a short period of time, but that teens are
not just having casual or anonymous sex.
How Teens Feel About Hooking Up
Teens express differing views on how hookups make them feel.
Some insist that they prefer hookups because hookups allow
them to enjoy sex without having to deal with a relationship.
Lindsay Nance, editor of the Terra Linda High School newspa-
per in San Rafael, California, talks about some of the benefits
of hookups: “Hookups are simple and do not have to involve
romantic feelings. When a hookup ends, people can usually
move on, free of any ongoing stress involving the matter.”
Nance adds, “Generally, calling a hookup quits is a lot less
messy than a relationship. When a relationship ends, tears and
heartbreak often ensue because time and emotions have been
invested. Hookups tend to carry less of this emotional bag-
gage and allow for the individuals to engage in a form of inti-
macy without the heartbreak and emotional battles.”
13
For all of
A teenage couple snaps a selfie. Experts say that most teens have sex within the
context of a committed relationship rather than through casual hookups, although some
say they prefer the reduced emotional baggage that accompanies the latter.
