Dating relationships begin much earlier than adults realize. 47% of tweens and 37% of 11 and 12-year olds say they've been in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. 72% say dating relationships begin by age 14. Nearly one-third of tweens and parents say sexual activity is a part of tween dating relationships. Specifically, the percentage of tweens and parents identified below acknowledge the following acts as part of a dating relationship: Touching and feeling up - 37% of tweens and 31% of parents Oral sex - 27% of tweens and 26% of parents Sexual intercourse - 28% of tweens and 26% of parents Tweens in relationships report sexual activity among their peer group. 47% know a friend or someone their age who has touched and felt up a partner. 31% know a friend or peer who has had oral sex. 33% know a friend or peer who has had sexual intercourse. Parents continue to believe 'it's not my child.' Of the parents who say that sex is part of a tween relationship: 59% know that their child has kissed a boyfriend or girlfriend. 17% know their child has made out with a partner. Only 7% say their child has gone further than kissing or making out. The "Tween and Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Study" was conducted January 2-18, 2008 by TRU (Teenage Research Unlimited) and the survey's findings were released July 8, 2008. Suggested ReadingTween DatingTeen Dating, Sex and RelationshipsRelating to Your Tween Related ArticlesFacts on Tween Dating Abuse and Violence - Statistics on Tweens and Dating ...Kids, Dating and Safety - What Parents Should Know About Kids, Dating and K...Tweens - Understanding Today's TweensSingle Parent Dating - Before You Start Single Parent DatingGrandparents Rights in Oregon - Grandparents Rights by State Linda LowenWomen's Issues GuideSign up for my NewsletterMy BlogMy Forum Advertisement Issues Ads Dating Women Online Dating Dating Tips Dating Chat Rooms Dating Girl