What is Prom?

This is probably going to sound strange.

We all know what "prom" is, right? I don't mean, like, the history of prom, or local variations and traditions in small towns, or anything like that. I mean "prom"-- you know, pro-om, prom night?

So how come no one can give us (or you) a short definition that explains what prom is and how it works and why it matters so much to all of us?

We've been living and breathing prom for the last five years (almost six) and we still can't tell you exactly what it is and why it matters. Alot of people seem to think it's mostly a girl thing, a party night so the girls can dress up. Some think it's about establishing romantic relationships and confirming them on prom night. Others think it's all about partying, getting toasted, getting "action" or getting the best attire from the best designers. Still others think it's a coming of age thing, an end to high school and the beginning of adulthood.

Obviously, if people think all that about prom, there must be some truth in each of the above.

So...we want to know what you think. And maybe, between all of us, we can finally answer the question "What is prom?"

Prom comes from promenade meaning to walk with pleasure. It became a night where couples - usually two seniors - to the dance, eat, then dance (duh). Over the years it's become acceptable to go in groups without a date or to go with someone that's years younger than you. If you want to eat now you must go out to eat yourself. It's become a like a fake ball. In the older days it would take place in the gym, now it's anywhere from a houseboat, to a ball room at a college. Usually considered the night where you lose your virginity.

-- Chelsea Maple Valley Nashville MI


a lot of parents when they think of prom they think SEX, but prom to me is the the hello to new beginings and the goodbyes to being a highschool life.also it it just a night to have fun and look good while doing that.

-- Shay winslow township high school Sickleville NJ


Prom is a night of romance, elegance, and timelessness. It is a night to be romanced, to dance away and remember when you're elderly. It is a night of bustling gowns and roses, a time for friends to hang out, laugh, and have fun. My prom is elegance all in one bundle, something to never be forgotten.

-- Katherine El Shaddai Christian Academy Brighton CO


Prom is a special night where all the seniors gather up with their dates and dance their way off. It happens every around the month of May. Without a senior prom it wouldn't be a special end of senior year celebration. So that's why prom will always be a end of senior year celebration. That's all for now.

-- Hector Alief Elsik High School Houston TX


prom , is the main event of every junior and senior high school student in the world.. if you have a date , GOOD! then you can have the time of your life dancing till the clock strikes 12..if you dont have a date, LIFE GOES ON.... dont stay at home eating chocolate chip cookies, and cry your heart out..its okay, your not alone..

-- Lexi


prom is a night where it marks the end of your high school experience. its one great last chance to hang out with all your friends for one big fun last time

-- Mary hylton high school Woodbridge VA


Prom is like the party of your life. You do mad stuff for prom. It's like the day you plan most during highschool. you work on graduatin on time, and finish all your classes while the summer is outside. but prom is like when it's all over right before graduation. you gotta have the hotttt date, the limo with the spinners and the slammin after prom party at a club in the city. I went to club speeed after the prom and i sold mad tickets so i got them for free and made cake to pay ffor prom night and for the evening dresses .

-- Malik Hempstead New York NY


Is a night to celebrate with your friends... You step out of ordinary, into extraordinary... You have fun with the people you care about & love ... and its not just a date with your b/f but also your friends too... Prom is Promise... Promise to always remember this enchanting night of lovely decorations, food, music and company... "Promises last forever, never do they die... Bestfriends stay together and never say good- bye"! That's the real deal of prom...

-- Andie
> I think prom is a night that you'll always remember. You have to make it fun. Everyone makes it what they want it to be. It islike living out your own Cinderella sory.Its also a night to get have fun away from parents!!! Prom has always been an exciting thing to look forward to as you grow older. I couldn't wait to be a part of helping to put it together. Its gonna be great!

-- Holly PRVHS Princeton AL


Prom is an unforgettable evening made for friends and romance. It's an opportunity. It is also mostly upperclassmen, so it's a privlage. It isn't an excuse to permit underage drinking, but an excuse to take a well-deserved evening off to be with friends and lovers. After all the planning chicks get to do, which is fun in itself, it's a night to make memories.

-- Sophia John Glenn Cambridge OH


Geez.. Seems like all the opinions that are offered on this site are from women.. Well here's one from a guyI think that Prom is a point of confusion for guys. They go because they hope to find something. They don't know what that something is or how they're going to find it but they know that through Prom hopefully they can... I dont think Prom is about dancing too much for guys, most of the guys I know hate it. I think it's also somewhat a band of brotherhood for most guys.. You feel really connected with one another all dressed up, all differences, peer groups, etc seem to disappear. I've never felt closer to my friends than on these dances, and no I'm not gay. Well that's my unromanticized version

-- Jay Niwot Longmont CO


The night which signifies the end of your high school career is your prom night. By dressing in formal attire you show the world how you have matured and grown as a person. But of course, it's the night you let loose and tie up all your loose ends. Tell your enemies you love them, kiss your crush, and don't get pregnant! It's a night you will look back on your entire life, so make sure the cocktail dresses fit, your hair holds, and your date has manners =DI'll be going in two weeks, and I'm way excited. Have fun, guys!!



-- Kyleigh indian lake Lakeview OH


To me, prom is one big party, the final culmination of all the high school dances over the years. Its the last chance to dance with everyone, the last chance to get glammed up, the "last hurrah" before the seniors graduate and get thrown into the real world. That's why you have to live it up and go all out for the night! Months before prom you start tanning, teeth whitening, and shopping for your dress, shoes, and jewelry. I know where I'm from, for most girls prom is an all weekend thing: friday night get your manicure & pedicure, saturday morning hair and makeup appointments, then the rest of the afternoon is spent getting ready before you meet for pictures and take the limo to dinner and the dance. And don't forget about the parties afterwards, of course!!

-- Anna Winters Mill Westminster MD


What is prom?Prom is a big night in every single boy or girl life. It's a night not only to go all out and step into a magical world, but it's a night where everyone is important. It's a night that celebrates all the hard work and years it took to get there. Im in grade 12 and I have prom this year and me and my friends are soooooo excited:)Its definately a night that everyone will remeber and cherish for the rest of their lives.

-- Marmoura Saint Patricks high School Halifax NS


It seems like this thing is just enforcing teenagers propensity to judge each other on whether or not they can find a partner - even though they have not yet realised adults do not always judge each other in the same way that teenagers judge each other. I think many of these kids become very anxious and unhappy about all this - and its not fair. Its also pointless. Real life is sometimes like the prom. But not always. So it is not appropriate that this should be a rite of passage. As a European, I never went through this. Thank God.

-- Colin Boaca Raton FL


To me, Prom is the one night when its ok for girls to shine their beauty; have the time of their life; celebrate the end of their high school years; and to be a princess. It is the one day when its ok for either the guy or the girl to go all out- they spend as much as they want just to look good. Prom is not just any other high school dance- its the day seniors can say "this is OUR party not anyone elses...this belongs to the Seniors!". Its also the day to be with your friends- create one of the last memories before being out in the "real" world. thats wat prom is to me.

-- Yvette SHS Sarasota FL


Prom is something that you look forward to once you reach middle school. You hear everyone talking about how much fun they have. It also gives everyone a chance to go out and buy an over-the-top outfit that they are only going to wear once (well most of the time anyways). It is a special occassion that you will remember for the rest of your life!! At my school, the Juniors sponsor it, and we have a time where we recognize all of teh seniors and their escorts. It really is a great time.

-- Tiffany Russell County High School Phenix City AL


Prom is supposed to be a crazy fun night, whether it be spent as a romantic date with your boyfriend/girlfriend, just a cool night with a bunch of your closest friends, or whatever! It gives everyone a chance to dress up and feel good about themselves, and stop worrying about social status and cliques and everything stupid about high school. It's meant to be fun, memorable, and a night you wish could last forever.

-- Jessica Bellevue WA


Prom is a very special night that you want to be perfect. It is very stressful having to get your tan, hair, makeup, and nail appointments. But, it is extremely worth it. After all it only happens once in a lifetime. I think it is extremly expensive, especially when you have to have the best of everything. But, once it is all said and done all the stress was worth it. It is a celebration with your friends that you've had all through high school and it will probably be one of the last times you see your friends before you enter the real world and journey out on our own. It is really a fun and emotional night at the same time. Plus, prom night makes another memory that will never be forgotten!!

-- Tiffani Union County High Maynardville TN


Well at my school prom is the moment. I am on student senat, so I choose the theme for the prom this year I chose"A 70's night out" At my school there are rules about prom, you can't go without a date, can't get in without a ticket, and if you had any form of suspension your ticket is refused. Prom is on a friday night always, always in last week of May. My definition for prom is it is a romantic dance held for jrs and snrs. The prom has a theme and is a fun event.

-- Kelly Anne


Prom is for seniors to have a great party and celebrate together. This is their last dance as high school students. Its an extravaganza.

-- Margret Curtis Tacoma WA


A "leisurely" walk, along with social activity.prom comes from promenade and prominade is a social event which includes dancing

-- Stevie smoky hill high Aurora CO


prom is one of the most important days of your high school life, espically your senior year. the ladt time all the seniors will be together b4 graduation!!!!!!!!!! everybody gets dressed up in their sexy gowns and exspensive tuxs and dance and party and then all the seniors meet up somewhere and have some fun afterwards! congratulations class of 2006!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Miesha thurgood marshall high school Baltimor MD

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