The horse and carriage is a thing of the past,  but love and marriage are still with us and still closely interrelating. Most American marriages, particular first marriages uniting young people, are the result of mutual attraction and affection rather with practical considerations.

In the United States, parents do not arrange marriages for their children. Teenagers begin date in high school and usually find mates through their own academic and social contacts. Though young people feel free to choose their friends from different groups, almost choose a mate of similar background. This is due partly to parental guidance. Parents cannot select spouses for their children, but they can usually influence choices by voicing disapproval for someone they consider suitable.

However, marriages of members of different groups (interclass, interfaith, and interracial marriages) are increasing, probably because of the greater mobile of today's youth and the fact that they are restricted by fewer prejudices as their parents. Many young people leave their hometowns to attend college, serve in armed forces, or pursue a career in a bigger city. One away from home and family, they are more likely to date and marry outside their own social group.