Journal of College Student Development

This study assessed female college students’ (N = 197) participation in dating, romantic relationships, hooking up behaviors, and the intersection of these activities. Hooking up was prevalent among students (n = 78; 39.6%), but dating (n = 139; 70.6%) and romantic relationship (n = 147; 74.6%) involvement were even more prevalent. Those who hooked up were more likely to be involved in dating and romantic relationships compared to their counterparts. Hooking up does not appear to substitute for dating and romantic relationships for those who hook up.