This Is How Many People Have Cheated on a Partner

It's a lot higher than we would have guessed.

It's probably fair to say that you or at least one person in your squad has been cheated on. Even Beyoncé isn't immune to infidelity. But just how many people are, in the words of Shaggy, creeping with the girl (or guy) next door? Finally, we have an answer.

According to a new study by YouGov, roughly one in five people surveyed reported cheating on a partner.

To gather this data, YouGov surveyed 1,000 Americans over 18 about their dating habits, relationship experiences, and preferences. They found that 21 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds and 17 percent of 30- to 44-year-olds have cheated at least once. Yikes.

 Interestingly, YouGov found that cheaters are more commonly men—25 percent of men reported engaging in sexual activities with someone who wasn’t their partner while only 13 percent of women said the same. Plus, 69 percent of women described their ideal relationship as "completely monogamous" while only 52 percent of men thought that was the best arrangement.

The researchers also found that the millennial generation is more open to non-monogamous relationships. Though only 6 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds and 9 percent of 30- to 44-year-olds are actually down to be in an open relationship, about a quarter of both groups would consider a non-exclusive relationship, depending on the situation.

The bottom line: Whatever type of relationship you're trying to have, make sure you and your partner have the same expectations.