What is hookup culture?

• A. A policy banning casual dating on campus.
• B. A movement promoting abstinence until marriage.
• C. A social phenomenon where long-term, exclusive relationships are preferred.
• D. The social phenomenon where casual sexual encounters are common among young adults, particularly in college settings.

Answer: (D)

Hookup culture is a social pattern in which casual sexual encounters are common among young adults, especially in college settings. It reflects norms around spontaneous sexual activity without the expectation of dating or long-term commitment, often shaped by peer influence and campus social life. This describes the idea of casual hookups as a norm rather than formal dating or abstinence-focused frameworks.

Why the other descriptions don’t fit: a policy banning casual dating on campus isn’t about the social norms people follow; abstinence until marriage focuses on avoiding sex altogether until a committed marriage; and prioritizing long-term exclusive relationships describes a different relationship pattern altogether.