Why do most people feel like they need a boyfriend/girlfriend in higschool?

In today's society there is a big emphasis on being in a relationship and if your not in one something must be wrong with you. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend seems to be more of the thing to do instead of being in a relationship because you truly care about that person. This just makes life in high-school a lot more complicated and difficult. Often these relationships end and the former couple no longer even want to be friends. There is a simple fix to this problem though, which is not to obligate yourself to one person but to date whomever you like with no strings attached that way at the end of the day there will be no hurt feelings and everyone can walk away as friends.