Final answer:
Cohabitation has become a normal stage of courtship for many U.S. couples, with approximately 28 percent of men and women choosing to cohabitate before their first marriage, and about one-half of cohabitating couples transitioning into marriage within three years.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cohabitation has indeed become a normal stage of courtship for many U.S. couples. Many couples view cohabitation as a way to spend more time together or to save on living costs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 28 percent of men and women cohabitate before their first marriage, and about one-half of cohabitating couples transition into marriage within three years. However, it is important to note that cohabitation does not guarantee a successful marriage, as research suggests that those who do not cohabitate before marriage have slightly better rates of remaining married for more than ten years.