Kentucky isn't a Top 15 state for the 'swinger lifestyle' but 3 of its neighbors are

Conservative-leaning Kentucky is not a swing state in the political sense — nor, as it turns out, in the bedroom.

Swinging — or wife-swapping, as it used to be called — is the practice of exchanging partners for sex. New search data recently revealed the top 15 states most interested in swinging. Adult novelty company Joy Love Dolls analyzed Google Trends data over a 12-month period by recording how often people across the country looked up terms such as "swing lifestyle," "wife swapping" and "sex parties."

While the Bluegrass State didn't make the cut, three of its neighbors — Ohio, Virginia and Tennessee — ranked among the top 15 places interested in swinging. Here's what we know about the results.

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What percentage of married couples swing?

It's unclear how many people living in the U.S. participate in swinging today. Some estimates say it's 2% or less while others claim 5% of American adults, or roughly 10 million people, are actively engaged in a form of non-monogamy.

What is 'ethical non-monogamy'?

The term "ethical non-monogamy," explains Open-Love.org , is a range of relationships where partners engage in romantic, sexual or intimate acts with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved.

"Non-monogamous relationships can be as fulfilling and rewarding as monogamous relationships," said Cecille Ahrens, a licensed clinical social worker at Transcend Therapy in California during a previous interview with USA TODAY. "One is not necessarily better than the other."

Is swinging popular in Virginia?

According to the study, the Virginia searched for swinger terms for a monthly volume of 501 per 100,000 people. The Old Dominion State's search volume landed it number 6 among other swinging states.

How common is the swing lifestyle in Ohio?

Ohio, according to the study, had a monthly search volume of 459 per 100,000 people, making the Buckeye State No. 10 in the country.

Swinging in Tennessee

Tennessee landed at the bottom of the list, according to the study, searching for swinger terms at 437 per 100,000 people.

Where is swinging popular in the U.S.?

The top 15 states ranked by monthly average search volume for a swinger lifestyle per 100,000 people, according to the data, are as follows.

1. Pennsylvania: 660 per 100K
2. New York: 590
3. Delaware: 537
4. Michigan: 526
5. New Jersey: 512
6. Virginia: 501
7. North Carolina: 498
8. South Carolina: 481
9. Nevada: 460
10. Ohio: 459
11. Maryland: 458
12. Florida: 453
13. Rhode Island: 453
14. Connecticut: 439
15. Tennessee: 437

How do you tell if someone is a swinger?

There's a few symbols within the swinging community to spot if someone is a swinger. Here's what to look for, according to sex education expert Amy Nguyen.

• Pink flamingo, garden gnome, or Pampas grass in the front lawn.
• Upside down pineapple displayed in front yard, patio or mailbox.
• Black ring on the right hand.
• Large mirrors in the home.
• Hot tub in the backyard.

While these things may be common symbols of swinging, they don't always indicate someone is into the swinger lifestyle.

Why do married couples swing?

Sex experts say swinging can actually strengthen certain relationships and decrease the risk of divorce. Communication, which can lead to healthier relationships, is a big part of swinging.

Another reason swinging is popular is because some couples feel monogamy puts too much pressure on one partner to meet all of the other's needs.

That said, non-monogamy isn't for everyone, and "swinging won't fix a broken relationship," Allison Moon, author of " Getting It: A Guide to Hot, Healthy Hookups and Shame-Free Sex ," told USA TODAY in a previous article . It can, however, add "new adventure," she said, "and excitement to already solid ones."

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USA TODAY reporter David Oliver and Damon C. Williams contributed to this article.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com . Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports .

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Kentucky isn't a Top 15 state for the 'swinger lifestyle' but 3 of its neighbors are