Most western adults experience at least one night stand during their lifetime, with the average person having between 5 and 7. Men lead with more encounters, while women report fewer but sometimes more regret. Casual sex is less common among Gen Z than millennials, influenced by social, behavioral, and cultural factors.
- How Many One-Night Stands Does the Average Person Have?
- How Common Are One-Night Stands?
- Gender Differences: Who Has More One-Night Stands?
- Factors That Influence One-Night Stand Average Frequency & Behavior
- Health Risks and Safety
- Generational Trends: Millennials vs Gen Z
- The Average Number Of One Night Stands – Wrap Up
How Many One-Night Stands Does the Average Person Have?
Surveys show that roughly 66% of adults have had at least one in their lifetime, with the Bedbible Research Center reporting that the average number of one-night stands is 5.8, with men averaging ~6.4 and women ~5.1.
In the United States, YouGov found that 35% of adults have had a one-night stand, while among young adults aged 18–23, casual encounters are declining.
Based on a Rutgers University study, between 2007 and 2017, the percentage of young men reporting casual sex in the past month dropped from 38% to 24%, and young women from 31% to 22%
Globally, European averages are slightly lower: men report about 6 encounters, women about 4 (DrEd.com survey via YourTango). The majority of one-night stands, up to 86%, are spontaneous, and about a quarter of participants report some regret afterward according to Bedbible Research Center.
How Common Are One-Night Stands?
Casual sex is a common experience, especially among younger western adults. For ages 18–29, around 60% have had casual sex at least once, according to ZIPDO 2025 Casual Sex Statistics. The Coast 2023 Sex + Dating Survey found that 74.6% of participants had a one-night stand, and 68% had sex on the first date.
That said, prevalence varies by generation. Gen Z is significantly more conservative: only about 22–23% of young women report one-night stands, compared with 74% of millennials two decades ago.
Gender Differences: Who Has More One-Night Stands?
When it comes to who has more casual sex, surveys consistently report more one-night stands than women. A YourTango report on DrEd.com survey shows that in the U.S., American men average 7, women 6; in Europe, men 6, women 4.
Men tend to engage in casual sex more frequently than women. According to the ZIPDO Education Report, men are roughly twice as likely as women to have casual sex, with 24% of men and 17% of women reporting casual encounters in the past year. Among 18–29-year-olds, about 60% have experienced casual sex at least once.
Regret and satisfaction also differ between genders. Studies in Norway show that women experience higher regret after casual sex, primarily due to less physical gratification and greater concern about social judgment.
Men, on the other hand, are more likely to regret passing up casual sexual opportunities. Men report more frequent orgasms and higher sexual pleasure during one-night stands, which partially explains the gender gap in regret.
Factors That Influence One-Night Stand Average Frequency & Behavior
A combination of personal attitudes and environmental factors contributes to one-night stand behavior.
Individual perception of casual sex is crucial; adolescents who see one-night stands as affirmations of sexual confidence and appeal are more likely to engage in them.
Research from the Faculty of Psychology at Chulalongkorn University found that late adolescents’ engagement in one-night stands is strongly influenced by their positive attitudes toward the behavior.
Social dynamics also play a major role. Men often cite partner attraction as their primary motivator, while women consider both partner appeal and personal values.
Peer behavior and media exposure that normalize casual encounters, reinforcing the perception that such experiences are acceptable and desirable also have a a role.
Last but not least, environmental factors, such as living independently or away from parents, provide greater opportunity for spontaneous encounters.
If your often participate n nightlife activities in settings like bars, clubs and parties, you are most likely even more encouraged to participate in one night stands.
Health Risks and Safety
One-night stands carry significant physical and emotional risks. A substantial portion of casual encounters involve unprotected sex.
YouGov reports that 25% of men and 14% of women admit to unprotected one-night stands, increasing the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections, with approximately 27% of participants reporting STIs from casual encounters, according to Bedbible Research Center.
Pregnancy scares are common, with over half of respondents in a 2023 The Coast survey indicating such experiences following casual sex ().
Emotional consequences are particularly pronounced for women, who experience higher levels of regret and worry about social reputation.
You can minimize these risk pretty easily. Use condoms, always, discuss openly sexual histories (and if you’re not comfortable doing that, maybe don’t have sex with that person).
Also consider emergency contraception and limit alcohol consumption.
Generational Trends: Millennials vs Gen Z
Patterns of casual sex have shifted across generations. Millennials were far more likely to engage in one-night stands, with nearly three-quarters of young women reporting such experiences two decades ago.
Gen Z, in contrast, engages in casual sex far less frequently; only about 22–23% of young women report one-night stands today, according to Thred and Dazed Digital.
They are also more likely to practice safe sex, with far fewer instances of unprotected encounters compared to previous generations.
This generational shift is linked to reduced alcohol consumption, increased engagement with video games, and more young adults living at home with parents, all of which limit opportunities for casual sexual encounters, based on info provided by Rutgers University.
The Average Number Of One Night Stands – Wrap Up
Most adults have a one-night stand at some point in their lives. It’s a common part of how people explore attraction and connection.
If you’re going to answer a booty call, always stay safe, limit alcohol, talk openly about STDs, and have condoms ready. Setting boundaries before things start makes everything smoother and more respectful.
And if you get a message that doesn’t feel right or you’re simply not in the mood, it’s okay to say no. Knowing how to reject a booty text helps you handle it with confidence and keep things chill.
Casual sex can be fun and freeing when everyone knows what they’re in for. The key is to be safe, clear, and honest with yourself and the other person.
