Research suggests that as many as two thirds to three quarters of American students have casual sex at least once during college. On college campuses, casual sex may occur almost anywhere. The majority of hookups happen at parties.

Casual hookups—defined as sexual encounters between people who are not in a committed relationship—have become a normalized part of the modern "dating" landscape, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. Statistics from 2025 and 2026 suggest that roughly 60% to 70% of college-aged adults have engaged in at least one hookup during their time at university. The rise of location-based dating apps like Tinder and Bumble has significantly lowered the "barrier to entry" for these encounters, with nearly 40% of app users stating that convenience and casual connections are their primary motivations. However, recent trends also show a growing movement toward "intentional dating" and "sober sex," as some individuals move away from hookup culture due to "dating app burnout" or a desire for deeper emotional connection. While highly common in urban centers and university towns, the prevalence of casual hookups varies significantly based on cultural background, religious beliefs, and individual age demographics.