The survey by Tegic Communications found that more than 60 percent of adults in the United States have sent text messages telling the recipients they miss or care for them, The Washington Post (NYSE:WPO) reported. At least 27 percent admitted flirting by text message; 13 percent have asked for a date; 2 percent have broken up with someone and 2 percent have proposed marriage.

Europeans have been using cell phones a bit longer, and the statistics show it -- with 70 percent of Germans saying they have sent "miss you" or "love you" messages. In Italy, 13 percent have broken up with someone by text message while in China 12 percent have.