Unless you've been living in an illusory world, without a mobile phone, you would in all probability have heard the term SMS. It is also frequently referred to as "texting." It has become the rage of the 21st century as mobile phone users are constantly trying to find novel things to do their mobile phones. Today we live in a quick-paced world and more and more people are turning to texting as a means of relating to each other. The dating world is no exception. With the onslaught of online daters, and long distance romances increasing, SMS or texting has just become a very convenient way of getting in touch with your near and dear ones. Couple texting and SMS with emails and IM, you don't even need to actually speak to anyone anymore to have a relationship or friendship. Enter the magical world of mobile phones - with all the familiar brand names: Samsung, Nokia, LG, Sony-Ericsson and what have you.

SMS and texting are known for their pithyness. Something like "Mt me @ 9PM, R spt" or "IM @11??" can change your entire routine in a few short seconds. There is no need for 2 calls, long drawn out emails, or any confusion about detailed exchanges. In fact, texting is a 13 for people with 7 lives that literally need to book time with each other.

How far-flung is SMS for dating? Mobile phone companies are making it more available to their consumers, because each SMS sent literally means cash in their pocket. Recently, Cingular Wireless conducted a survey to find out if mobile phones and SMS had really affected their customer's romantic relationships. Their findings proved that SMS is in fact the new dating tool of the 21st century:

* 38% of users said one of their dates had responded to text messages sent during a dinner conversation. Of those 38%, 31% of them admitted to doing the same.

* 10% of users have texted someone out of their lives. This makes the Sex and the City "Post-It Note" episode look harmonious.

* 17% have texted to get out of an uncomfortable date.

* 12% used texting news reports as a conversation starter with their date or partner.

* 8% said a relationship has ended over offensive texting behavior.

* 28% would rather text their partner than get involved in a long conversation.

* 5% have used their mobile phone to text another love interest while on a date with someone else. 7% claimed they suspected their date of doing the same thing.

* 6% say they assess someone else by how they text

* 59% of regular daters use texting to communicate with their dates, and 30% of married couples do the same thing with their spouses.

It just goes to show, that SMS and texting are not only more far-flung in the dating world, it seems it is almost a requirement today. Go ahead, reach out and message someone. That is what mobile telephony is all about.