Adrian Berlutti
Dating in the 1960s came with rules that feel pretty strange now. Teens followed a strict social playbook, and stepping outside it wasn’t easy. Every gesture had weight, and spontaneity rarely made the cut. This article explores the surprisingly structured world of romance in that old-school dating era.
Girls Needed A Chaperone On Every Date
Until the early 1970s, most high schools required a chaperone to supervise teen dates. Parents or older siblings often tagged along to protect “virtue,” sometimes even sitting between couples at the movies. Without a chaperone, prom dates were often not allowed at all.
Girls Couldn’t Call Boys First
Calling a boy first was seen as pushy or desperate, so girls were expected to wait by the phone—sometimes for hours. Teen advice magazines warned against making the first move, and a busy signal or shared party line could sabotage an entire night of anticipation.
Curfews Were Strictly Enforced
Girls faced strict curfews, often needing to be home by 10 PM on school nights, and breaking curfew could lead to a total dating ban. Some towns had official “youth curfew” laws, while parents waited on porches to make sure their children returned on time.
No Kissing On The First Date
A premature kiss could harm a girl’s reputation, while some boys worried it might make them seem disrespectful or rushed. Kissing on the first date was seen as morally questionable, with teen manuals urging restraint and self-control.
Going Steady Meant Wearing His Class Ring
Going steady meant exchanging a class ring or letterman jacket to signal exclusivity. Girls sometimes wrapped rings in tape to fit smaller fingers, and losing the ring could cause serious heartbreak. This commitment was nearly like a pre-engagement promise.
Dating Was Only For Marriage-Minded Teens
Dating was reserved for teens focused on marriage, as casual relationships were discouraged. Girls learned early to avoid leading boys on without intent. Most dated within their church or social circles, with serious boyfriends expected to be husband material.
Holding Hands Was A Big Deal
Holding hands was a significant act closely monitored by schools and churches. Public displays of affection could result in detention, and some religious groups warned that it led down a “slippery slope.” Often, a handshake was the only accepted form of contact.
Dating Outside Your Race Was Taboo
Interracial dating was illegal in many states until 1967, when the Supreme Court’s Loving v. Virginia ruling changed the law. Mixed-race couples faced harsh social exclusion and harassment, while some schools quietly upheld segregation through strict dating policies.
Boys Always Had To Pay For The Date
Boys always paid for dates, as splitting the bill was nearly unheard of. A girl offering to pay could be seen as emasculating, and etiquette guides emphasized a boy’s financial role. Girls probably kept “emergency money” hidden just in case.
Dating Wasn’t Allowed Until Age 16
Many families set 16 as the official dating age, viewing younger relationships as improper or risky. Schools and churches supported the “sweet sixteen” rule, and parents enforced it strictly, sometimes punishing teens who dated too early.
