From the Introduction:

"...As we enter the twenty-first century, it is clear that teenagers continue to face challenges and choices that teens of the past have faced. It is also clear that modern teens are entering into relationships that people of even fifty years ago could not have imagined. Who would have thought a person could go out, go steady, and break up with another person—without ever leaving his or her own home? This situation is not only possible, but common—thanks to the advent of the Internet, cell phones, and instant messaging (IM). Not only do teenagers have more choices, but they also hear more about those choices. The Internet, e-mail, instant messaging, and cable television have vastly expanded our knowledge and perceptions. Sometimes the media raise more questions than they answer. Mass media have also increased our fears and doubts, as well.
     "This book is an attempt to dispel some fears, disprove some myths, and dispense some information about relationships, dating, and sex for teenagers. The intent is to inform, not preach; to document, not generalize; and to answer as many questions as possible—and perhaps generate new ones for teens to answer for themselves. Throughout these pages, many topics will be examined: controversial subjects, health issues, dating customs, and cultural differences."