These days, women need to be technologically savvy not only for work, but also for their love lives. In today's dating world, men aren't limiting themselves to calling us. Instead, we've come to expect a flirtatious text or two after a date. If you hit it off, you might even take it to the next level of "sexting"—exchanging sexy images and texts.

Texting is a return to written language as a means of flirting—albeit with a modern twist. For most of the 20th century, besides the occasional love note, our means of romantic expressions were limited to phone and in-person chatter. Texting expands and adds nuance to the ways we express interest, connect and generate heat in relationships. Poll: Dating By Texting—Are You A Fan?

"Language is sexy," Dr. Susan Herring, professor at Indiana University's School of Library and Information Science, says. "Language is a powerful vehicle for flirting and making oneself look attractive in a gender-appropriate way." When flirting using technology, as opposed to talking, people are more aware of how they use words and symbols. For example, because a woman can't show her feminine side by flipping her hair or batting her eyelashes via text, she instead might use an extra exclamation point or the ever-popular emoticons. Of course, some folks wouldn't be caught dead using a smiley face to express emotion; it all depends on your style.  Emoticons For Your Love Life

Why Text?
So what's the advantage to flirting via text when you can talk on the phone or in person? For one thing, it's easy.

"Flirt texting is good for getting to know one another throughout the day because we don't have time and we're busy. It's also an easy, convenient way to connect," says Olivia Baniuszewicz, co-author of Flirtexting: How To Text Your Way To His Heart. Sending a text message is less of committment than a phone call or an in-person meeting. It's a quick, simple way to show you're thinking about someone, without much risk.

Kevin Sullivan, 32, agrees. "I definitely think text messaging is easier [than a phone call] and it's good on the starter level to find out if you are actually interested in someone," Sullivan says. "If you say something that she doesn't like or she says 'no' there's no embarrassment."

On the other hand, a well-timed text can pique your interest in someone. "You meet a guy and are on the cusp about him and he sends you something funny and cute and then you think, 'OK, now I'm a little bit more interested,'" Baniuszewicz says.