Zoosk Summer Dating Survey Uncovers Singles' Attitudes About Splitting the Check, Off-Limit Conversations and More

SAN FRANCISCO, June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer officially here, Zoosk, one of the world's most popular social dating communities, surveyed more than 4,500 of its members in the U.S. to gather their thoughts about dating during the summer months. The survey found that the majority of singles (51%) plan to "go on more dates during the summer" as compared to other times of the year.

"We hope singles take note of these survey findings to help them choose the most-fun summer dating options," said Alex Mehr, co-founder and co-CEO of Zoosk. "Zoosk members confirm that outdoor summer dates are more fun, it's best to stay clear of stories about your ex, and you're right to be suspicious if your date suddenly claims not to feel well and has to leave."

The top survey findings include:

"Stories about your ex" ranks as the worst topic to bring up on a first date.

• Singles of both sexes overwhelmingly agree (67%) that the worst conversation topic on a first date is "stories about an ex." Men (71%), in particular, don't want to hear stories about their dates' exes compared to 64% of women.
• Talking about that chronic sinus congestion should wait until another time too, because "personal medical issues" comes in second as the worst topic to bring up on a date (19%) followed by politics (9%) and religion (6%).

Women are more open to "splitting the check" than men think.

• When asked who should pay on a first date, 81% of men say "the guy" compared to 64% of women.
• 35% of women believe they should split the check compared to only 18% of men.
• Only 1% of men and 1% women believe the woman should pay.

Men judge more quickly than women when it comes to how well a first date is going.

• The majority of men say they know within the first hour whether they might really like their date. In fact, 29% of men say they know within 15 minutes.
• The majority of women say they have usually made up their mind by the end of the date.

Men, however, are more willing to stick things out if a date isn't going well.

• When asked what they usually do if a date isn't going well, more men (93%) responded that they would "suck it up and see if it gets better" compared to women (85%), who are more likely to find a reason to leave early.
• Men in New York City are the most likely to duck out of a date that's going badly. Most say the excuse they would give is "not feeling well."
• Women in Tampa are the most likely to duck out of a date that's going badly. Their preferred excuse is also "not feeling well."

Singles agree: the best summer date involves enjoying the outdoors together.

• Spending time outdoors together beats a fancy dinner date. 58% of singles say the best summer date is something outdoors whereas 22% of singles say they prefer a date that involves dinner out at a nice restaurant.
• 16% of singles say their ideal summer date would be to grab a few drinks at a bar.

Singing on a first date is not a turn on.

• Only 4% of singles say the best summer date would involve singing together at a karaoke bar.
• Singles in San Francisco (7%) are the most likely to prefer a karaoke date.

A date at the beach or pool? Men say 'yes,' women say 'no.'

• The majority of men (76%) say they would consider a date that involves showing off their body in a bathing suit.
• The majority of women (53%) say "not on your life" to a beach or pool date.

The Zoosk poll was conducted online in June 2011 and fielded 4,616 responses from singles in 14 major U.S. cities who use Zoosk. Singles from San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Washington D.C., New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Miami participated in the poll.

About Zoosk

Zoosk is one of the world's most popular social dating communities, with millions of singles from around the globe using the service each month. Zoosk provides a safe and fun online dating experience that users can easily access from Zoosk's website, social networking applications, mobile services, and downloadable desktop application. Zoosk is available in 25 languages and has subscribers in more than 60 countries. The service enables users to join, browse, and send a limited number of messages for free. Zoosk users can upgrade to a premium subscription for full access or purchase virtual currency to buy select features and virtual gifts. Founded in 2007 by Shayan Zadeh and Alex Mehr, the company is based in San Francisco and backed by Zoosk is the world's largest social dating community Canaan Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, and ATA Ventures.

SOURCE Zoosk