When you hear the term "hookup culture," what is the first thing that pops into your mind? 

I do not understand why there are so many negative connotations associated with this new trend in dating. As a whole, people are starting to marry later in life, and the hookup culture is moving out of the college years and into the lives of late 20s and early 30-year-old single adults.

Some people say chivalry is dead, and this "swipe right" trend is turning the dating scene into a conveyor belt filled with casual sex and uncommitted, low-risk relationships.

But, what is so wrong with that? I am 31, busy working on my career, and want to spend most of my free time with my friends or doing things for myself. I don't want to or have the time to commit myself fully to any "real" relationship.

Therefore, when I am bored or want to meet someone new, I will turn to China's popular dating app Tantan or switch on my VPN and do some swiping old-school style on Tinder.

The idea that men are the only ones looking for casual hookups or a more relaxed "hangout" style of dating is now an old concept. I don't need someone to wine and dine me. It is awkward and ritualistic. To me, the most positive part of the new dating culture is the more lax and fun dates where you meet for drinks, chat and maybe more.

My roommate recently went on a "non-date" with a guy she met on an app. They met for drinks and ended up having a nightcap back at the apartment. When I asked her about it later, she said he was not really her type and she probably will not see him again, but she had no regrets and was happy about the experience.

According to a 2008 study conducted by The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, on average, both men and women appear to have higher positive affect than negative affect after a hookup. In one study among participants who were asked to characterize the morning after a hookup, 82 percent of the men and 57 percent of the women were generally glad they had done it.

Dating is always evolving, so there is no need to judge others on how they choose to experience modern courtship. Ultimately, you just have to find the style that works best for you.

This article was published on the Global Times Metropolitan section Two Cents page, a space for reader submissions, including opinion, humor and satire. The ideas expressed are those of the author alone, and do not represent the position of the Global Times.