14 Dating Rules From the 1960s That Shock Modern-Day Florida Teens

Picture this: A teenage boy nervously dialing a rotary phone, praying her dad doesn’t answer. The same teen sweating bullets as he asks if he can pick her up at seven—after asking her parents first.

Welcome to the world of 1960s dating.

For baby boomers across America, this was normal. If you were a Florida teen back then, there were rules for everything: who could call who, who paid, and even how far apart you had to sit at the movies.

American teens today would probably burst out laughing at most of it.

But back then? It was just how things were done.

Boys Had to Make the First Move

In the 1960s, it was a big no-no for girls to ask boys out.

The boy had to do the asking. Every single time.

Calling a boy first? Out of the question. Texting didn’t exist anyway, but even writing a note was frowned upon.

Girls were expected to “wait to be chosen,” which sounds more like a schoolyard game than a romantic strategy.

Today’s teenagers? They’ve moved far past this. Dating apps, texting, and social media have opened the doors wide for anyone to make the first move.

Dates Required Parent Approval

Before a teenager in the 1960s could go on a date, there was a hurdle to jump: the parents.

You didn’t just plan a date. You asked permission—sometimes from both sets of parents.

It wasn’t unusual for the guy to show up early to “chat with Dad” before taking his daughter out.

Some parents even wanted to know the full date plan in advance: where you were going, who else would be there, and when you’d be back.

American teenagers today might laugh at the idea of asking someone’s parents for permission before grabbing a burger.

No Date Unless You Had a Car

If a guy didn’t have a car, he was often out of luck.

Driving wasn’t just about convenience—it was practically a dating requirement. It meant independence, maturity, and impressiveness.

Pulling up in a clean car (often waxed just for the date) was a rite of passage.

And girls rarely, if ever, picked up the guy.

Now? Teens can date without even leaving the couch. Thanks, FaceTime. A car is a bonus, not a necessity.

Double Dates Were the Norm

Dating in the 1960s often meant bringing backup.

Double dates were seen as safer, more appropriate, and just more fun.

Parents liked the idea, too. More kids meant more accountability.

It wasn’t unusual for teens to feel nervous about going out alone with someone. So, going in groups was a popular option.

Today, double dates still happen—but not because they’re expected. Now, they’re more about convenience or fun than social rules.

No Kissing on the First Date

There was a strong sense of “proper behavior” in the 1960s.

And that meant no kissing on the first date—at least, not if you wanted to be seen as respectful.

The whole idea of “going steady” had to build up slowly. Fast moves were frowned upon and could damage a girl’s reputation.

There might’ve been a goodnight kiss, but even that was debated. Some families had “porch rules” about how long the goodbye could last.

Teenagers today would probably laugh at this. Many first dates now start with a swipe and end with a selfie.

A Girl Had to Be “Asked” to Go Steady

There was no guessing game back then—you were either going steady or you weren’t.

And for a couple to become official, the boy had to formally ask.

Sometimes he’d give his class ring or a pin. Sometimes it was just a question: “Will you go steady with me?”

Girls might wear the guy’s jacket as a public sign they were taken.

Nowadays, “talking,” “seeing each other,” and “hanging out” can mean just about anything. The 1960s had labels for everything.

You Dressed Up—Every Time

Dating was a big deal. And that meant dressing the part.

Guys often wore slacks and button-downs. Girls wore skirts, heels, and even gloves to more formal outings.

Even a movie date wasn’t complete without hair done and shoes polished.

Part of showing respect in the 1960s was showing up looking your best.

Today’s teens might show up in hoodies and sneakers—and no one bats an eye.

Phone Calls Were Carefully Timed

Want to talk to your crush in the 1960s? Better hope their parents weren’t already on the line.

Home phones ruled everything, and there was only one line for the whole house.

That meant short, polite conversations. And definitely no calling during dinner time.

If you stayed on too long, someone’s mom would pick up and ask you to hang up.

Compare that to teens today—texting under desks, DMing from class, and FaceTiming while watching Netflix.

Chaperones Were a Real Thing

Yep—some teens went on dates with an extra person tagging along.

Chaperones were often older siblings, cousins, or even parents who came to make sure nothing got “out of hand.”

This was especially common for younger teens or first dates.

It sounds ridiculous now, but it was seen as totally normal—and respectful.

Can you imagine a modern 16-year-old bringing their mom to the movies? That’s a hard pass.

Guys Always Paid

There wasn’t much debate about who picked up the check in the ’60s.

It was expected—no, required—that the guy paid for the entire date.

Girls were often told not to offer. Doing so might “offend” the guy.

Splitting the bill would’ve been seen as strange, and probably even rude.

Today, anything goes. Some couples split, some take turns, and some stick to the old tradition.

You Had to Plan Ahead

Spontaneity wasn’t part of 1960s teen dating.

You didn’t just say, “Wanna hang out?” You planned. You called a day or two ahead. You checked schedules. You cleared it with the parents.

Even casual outings took coordination.

There was no “U up?” text at midnight. There wasn’t even voicemail.

Modern teens live in real time. In the ’60s, everything had to be penciled in—and then followed exactly.

Showing Too Much Affection in Public Was Taboo

Holding hands? Maybe.

Kissing? Rare.

Anything beyond that? Big no.

Public displays of affection were seen as tacky or inappropriate. Especially in small towns or conservative areas.

Teens had to be discreet. Even walking too close could draw side-eyes from adults nearby.

Today, PDA is common in hallways, parks, and even social media posts. It’s a different world entirely.

Love Letters Were the Main Way to Flirt

There were no text messages filled with emojis.

If you wanted to express your feelings, you wrote a note. A real one. With paper and pen.

Love letters and folded notes passed between classes were common—and treasured.

Some couples kept them for years. Others handed them off in secret and never saw them again.

Now, flirting lives in Snapchats and Instagram comments. But those handwritten notes still hold a special kind of charm.

Being “Pinned” Was a Big Deal

When a guy gave his girlfriend his pin—or class ring—it meant they were official.

This was the equivalent of updating your relationship status.

Girls often wore the pin on their sweaters or put the ring on a chain.