Young teens usually hang out with friends who are the same gender but, this shifts in mid-teen years and many start having romantic relationships with the opposite sex.
Dating is a natural part of adolescence.
Most romantic relationships among 12-14 year olds last less than five months (Collins, 2015).
Due to:
The relationships are mostly superficial (for fun, increase status among peers and explore attraction (Collins, 2015).
When teens reach the age of 16, relationships last an average of two years (Collins, 2015).
Older teens date more to find intimacy, companionship, affection, and social support (Collins 2015).
Dating is a natural part of adolescence.
Most romantic relationships among 12-14 year olds last less than five months (Collins, 2015).
Due to:
The relationships are mostly superficial (for fun, increase status among peers and explore attraction (Collins, 2015).
When teens reach the age of 16, relationships last an average of two years (Collins, 2015).
Older teens date more to find intimacy, companionship, affection, and social support (Collins 2015).