What percentage of college students have reported hooking up?

• A. 50%
• B. 60%
• C. 70%
• D. 78%

Answer: (D)

The question hinges on how common casual sexual encounters are among college students in survey data. When researchers ask about hooking up, they usually use a broad definition that includes a range from kissing or making out to having sex with someone without a committed relationship. Because of that broad scope and because students are reporting experiences over several years, a large majority describe at least one hookup during college. National surveys and large studies often place this figure around three-quarters to four-fifths of students, which is why the 78% estimate is the best match. If the definition were narrowed to only include intercourse, the percentage would be noticeably lower, but with the broader definition, the high prevalence around 78% makes sense.