Hibernate 2.1.x, calling save() on same object twice causes two INSERTS

Hibernate is not performing as I would expect. When I am saving for the second time, it generates a second insert statement (as opposed to an UPDATE for the 2nd call). It probably has something to do with the specifics of my situation. I am....

• creating an object


• saving it within a session


• later, i try updating this same object handle within the same session (i.e. no re-retrieve)

I really would like to do everything with the save() method, but it seems the solution (for now) lies in which API call I use.

• save() seems geared towards new instances


• update() seems geared towards existing ones

Theoretically, there should only be one call, and hibernate should determine this for me. There are references to a method called saveOrUpdate(), but it should only be used when sharing objects across sessions.