1 in 4 Americans Would Wait Until the Third Date to Kiss

This is an exclusive study conducted by DatingAdvice.com, which surveyed respondents over the course of three weeks to reflect an accurate representation of the U.S. population.

A first kiss can be an important step in a relationship. It’s often withheld until both parties are comfortable with each other, but how long would you wait to make your move?

A new study conducted by DatingAdvice.com found 25 percent of Americans would wait until the third date or later to kiss for the first time.

Nearly one-third of all women (29 percent) said they would wait until several dates in to reach that level of intimacy, while only 21 percent of men agreed.

DatingAdvice.com expert Gina Stewart said the results offer a refreshing look at dating, especially with so many people moving quickly in their relationships.

“For a lot of people who feel sexual pressure on dates, there are still a large portion who are good with taking things slow and getting to know someone first,” she said.

The findings show this type of behavior also depends on race, age and region.

“Twenty-nine percent of women

would wait, while 21 percent of men agreed.”

Almost one in two Asian-Americans and African-Americans answered in the affirmative versus just one in five Caucasians.

Americans aged 18 to 24 were 48 percent more likely to wait until the third date than Americans aged 54 and older.

At 28 percent, it was the traditional South where waiting appears to be the proper etiquette, but just 20 percent of those living in the Northeast preferred the same.

Gay respondents and divorcees were among the least likely demographics to have a first kiss on the third date.

Homosexual men and women had a 67 percent lower likelihood of waiting until the third date to kiss someone than their straight counterparts.

Eighteen percent of divorcees would save a first kiss for the third date. Twenty-nine percent of singles would do so.

Those earning the highest salaries were also the least likely to wait. One in five of those earning $125,000 or more per year said they would wait compared to one in three of those making less than $25,000 annually.

The study surveyed 1,080 respondents over the course of three weeks, balancing responses by age, gender, income, race, sexuality and other factors in order to accurately represent the U.S. population. The study has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

The Breakdown: Americans Who Would Kiss on the Third Date

By gender:

• Male: 21%
• Female:  29%

By sexuality:

• Straight: 25%
• Gay: 15%

By marital status:

• Single, Never Married: 29%
• Married: 23%
• Divorced: 18%

By age:

• 18 to 24: 34%
• 25 to 34: 24%
• 35 to 44: 24%
• 45 to 54: 25%
• 54 to 64: 23%
• 65 and older: 23%

By race:

• White: 19%
• African-American:  42%
• Hispanic: 45%
• Asian: 45%

By income:

• Under $25,000: 30%
• $25,000 to $49,999: 25%
• $50,000 to $74,999:  24%
• $75,000 to $99,999:  22%
• $100,000 to $124,999: 16%
• $125,000 or higher: 19%

By region:

• Northeast: 20%
• Midwest: 25%
• South: 28%
• West: 24%

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