It all happened after he
texted '143 637'

40% of adult texters (aged 18-55) that are in a relationship or dating believe text messaging plays a significant or very significant role in their relationships.

And nearly one-third say their wireless phone has saved them from a bad date, according to research from AT&T, writes MarketingCharts.

The survey, conducted to gain insight into how text messaging is used in the modern dating scene, found 68% of texters admitted to sending a love note via text message. 67% have used text messaging to flirt, and 28% text at least three times a day with their spouse or significant other.

In addition, 52% of texters say messages to the effect of "thinking of you" ("637" in brusque pager code) are the most common text types received from a date or spouse.

Among the most common SMS expressions of affection:

• I LUV U
• MISS U
• THINKIN BOUT U
• DINNER 2NITE?
• HEY BEAUTIFUL
• LETS HANG
• UR CUTE
• XOXO
• MUAH!

1ST D8 CANT B L8

For those seeking a relationship, the study found text messaging provides an easier approach to making an initial love connection:

• 34% of texters in a relationship or dating agreed they would be more comfortable on a first date if they received a text message beforehand.
• 26% agreed that someone would be more likely to accept a first date with them if they have exchanged text messages first.
• 58% admitted they have at least occasionally shown a friend a text message from a suitor to get his or her interpretation.
• 38% percent admitted that their wireless phone has saved them from an uncomfortable dating situation.
• One-quarter of dating texters have used text messaging to update their friends or family on the progression of a blind date.

AT&T also found that communicating via text in romantic relationships can create uncertainty and frustration if the recipient of the message waits too long to respond:

• 84% of texters believe texts can sometimes be misunderstood by a date or suitor.
• 24% said the biggest turnoff when texting with a date or a spouse is a slow responder.
• 82% said they answer a text message from a date or romantic interest immediately or as quickly as possible.

Interestingly, one-third of texters in a relationship or dating indicated they would get upset if a date/spouse responded to a wireless call while on a date. But 44% of dating texters admitted to answering their wireless phone in the midst of great dinner conversation, and 58% have had a date/spouse answer their phone.

It’s OVR, We Need a Bre8k

In an affirmation of the importance of face-to-face communication for some types of bad news, only five percent of texters have broken up with someone via text message, and six percent have been broken up with via texting.

Younger Adults Text More

Demographic data suggests texting plays a greater role in younger adults' relationships, and reveals differences in dating and communication disclosure:

• 37% of respondents age 18-35 text at least three times a day with a significant other, compared with 22% of those age 36-55.
• 74% of those age 18-35 have flirted via text messaging compared with 60% of those age 36-55.
• 26% of those age 18-35 admitted to texting more than one person at a time to invite them on a date or for other romantic reasons, but only 7% of those who are 36-55 have done the same.
• 30% of respondents age 18-35 have texted friends and family to update them on a blind date, compared with 19% of respondents who are 36-55.

"People have discovered that there are moments when just the right text, sent at just the right time, can go a long way to keeping romance alive," said Alecia Bridgwater, director of Messaging for AT&T's wireless unit.

Following September's global financial crisis, online dating sites have reported spikes in activity, some at record levels. Most attributed them to singles pursuing romantic companionship to assuage economic stress.

Accompanying research by Avalanche, LLC — which operates date.com, matchmaker.com and amor.com — found 84% of people are spending more time online or over the phone before meeting face-to-face.

About this study: AT&T's 2008 text dating survey was conducted by Synovate via an online consumer opinion panel of 1,000 adults age 18-55 in May 2008.