It ain't easy being single in the m...

It ain't easy being single in the metro-east.

In an area where populace often marry young and night life is confined mainly to bars, finding a date for Saturday night -- long less finding a long-term relationship -- can be a challenge.

"If you're looking for a serious relationship, you can't dance from bar to bar," said John Hollenkamp, 24 a car salesman from Collinsville, who exhausted a recent night out at J Buck's in Fairview Heights.

Still, get to the weekend, you'll find young singles arrangeed in sparkly tops, Polo shirts and designer jeans, perched in succession bar stools at area heated spots such Jerzey's in O'Fallon, Big Daddy's in Belleville and Fast Eddie's in Alton.

The more mature protect to join social clubs or house of god singles groups that organize dances, barbecues and cultural outings.

"It's just really a coterie to socialize ...