Dating Rules from the ’70s That Sound Completely Insane Now

Let me tell you about dating in the 1970s – it was a whole different ballgame, folks. As someone who lived through those groovy times, I can assure you that today’s young people would be shocked by what was considered normal back then. From strict parental supervision to gender roles that would make modern daters cringe, here’s a look back at some dating rules that seem absolutely crazy by today’s standards.

1. The Three-Day Rule

You absolutely couldn’t call someone the day after a date – it was considered desperate. The unwritten rule was to wait three days before making that call, and it had to be between 7 and 9 PM when you knew they’d be home. If you got a busy signal or no answer, you had to wait another day to try again. And forget about leaving a message – answering machines weren’t common until the late 1970s.

2. Parents as Gatekeepers

When calling your date’s house, you had to get through their parents first. This meant having an awkward conversation with mom or dad before you could even speak to your love interest. Many parents would interrogate callers about their intentions, family background, and even their father’s occupation. Some families had strict rules about how long you could talk on the phone.

3. Boys Must Pay

There was no question about who paid for dates – it was always the boy. Girls weren’t expected to carry money at all, and offering to split the bill was considered rude or emasculating. This rule was so strict that many girls wouldn’t even bring a purse on dates. The concept of “going Dutch” was practically unheard of in most social circles.

4. Mandatory Double Dates

Many parents wouldn’t allow their teenagers to go on single dates until they were 17 or 18. Double dating was the norm, providing a sort of built-in chaperone system. This often meant coordinating with another couple and their parents, making spontaneous dates practically impossible. Even movie theaters would sometimes enforce “couples only” policies on weekend nights.

5. Strict Curfews

Curfews were absolute and non-negotiable, usually set at 10 PM on weeknights and 11 PM on weekends. Parents would often wait up, watching the clock and ready to call the police if you were more than 15 minutes late. Some families even had a “porch light” system – when it started blinking, you had five minutes to say goodnight and get inside.

6. Door-to-Door Service

Boys had to come to the door to pick up their date – honking from the driveway was considered incredibly rude. This meant facing the parents each time, often enduring a mini-interview while their date finished getting ready. The boy was expected to walk the girl to and from the car, and always open doors for her.

7. No “Exclusive” Dating Until 16

Many families had strict rules against “going steady” before age 16. Group dating was encouraged instead, often in the form of school dances or supervised parties. Some schools even had policies against couples showing too much attention to each other during school hours. The focus was on social interaction rather than romantic relationships.

8. Dress Code for Dates

There were unwritten but strictly followed dress codes for dates. Boys wore slacks and button-down shirts even to casual events, while girls were expected to wear dresses or skirts. Jeans were often considered too casual for dates, and showing too much skin was a major taboo. Parents would often inspect outfits before allowing couples to leave.

9. Meeting the Parents First

Before any actual dating could occur, potential suitors had to meet the parents for approval. This often involved a formal visit to the house, complete with an interrogation about future plans, career goals, and family background. Some parents required this meeting to happen several days before the first date was allowed.

10. No Public Displays of Affection

Public displays of affection were strictly taboo. Hand-holding was usually the maximum allowed in public, and kissing was reserved for private moments – though not too private, as parents made sure there were no opportunities for unsupervised alone time. Even sitting too close together at a restaurant could draw disapproving looks.

11. Drive-In Dating Protocol

Drive-in theaters had their own strict dating rules. Cars had to be parked with enough space between them to discourage any funny business, and ushers with flashlights would regularly patrol the rows. Some drive-ins even required cars with couples to park in specially lit areas. Parents would often quiz their kids about the movie’s plot when they got home to ensure they were actually watching the film.

12. The “Going Steady” Ritual

Making a relationship official involved specific rituals and symbols. Boys would give their girlfriend their class ring (wrapped with yarn to make it fit), or a special necklace. Girls would wear their boyfriend’s letterman jacket. This public display of “ownership” was expected and celebrated, and breaking up meant a formal return of these items, often through friends to avoid awkwardness.

13. Chaperoned House Visits

When couples spent time at home, they were confined to the living room with frequent parental “check-ins.” Some parents insisted on leaving all doors open and keeping the TV volume low enough to monitor conversations. Basement rec rooms were often off-limits, and siblings were sometimes enlisted as unofficial chaperones.

14. Gender-Specific Dating Duties

Dating came with strict gender roles. Boys were expected to plan and initiate all dates, drive, and handle all expenses. Girls were expected to be ready on time, show appropriate gratitude, and maintain conversation. If a girl called a boy or suggested an activity, it was considered forward and could damage her reputation.

15. The Dating Blacklist

Parents often maintained unofficial “blacklists” of unacceptable dating partners, based on family reputation, social status, or neighborhood gossip. Dating someone from the wrong side of town or from a family with a “reputation” could be strictly forbidden. Some parents even coordinated with other parents to enforce these social boundaries.