About Prom Dresses, Prom Gowns

In the United States and Canada, a prom, short for promenade, is a formal (black tie) dance, or gathering of high school students. It is held at the end of senior year. In the United Kingdom, the term is more widely understood to be in reference to a season of classical concerts, or "proms," which have been held between the months of July and September since 1895 by the BBC. The British synonym for the North American event would be Leavers' Ball, Leavers' Dinner, Formal or, informally, Leavers' Do. This is closer to the Australian description, although in the UK, most schools have called the above events proms in imitation of the North American tradition. In Canada, Ireland, and Australia the terms Grad or Formal are most commonly used and the event is usually held for those graduating high school or middle school. In Ireland, the event is also known as the Debs, which is derived from Debutante.

Smaller schools may hold a school prom open to the entire student body. Large high schools may hold two proms, a junior prom for those finishing their 11th grade year and a senior prom for those who are graduating high school. When the junior and senior proms are combined, it is sometimes traditional to have the junior class plan, organize, and even decorate the venue for the prom. Proms are mostly attended by juniors and seniors, but some schools allow all classes to attend. This may require that the ticket buyer be an upperclassman. At some high schools, school administration may limit attendence to students of the hosting school or of nearby schools. In rare cases, alumni may attend prom with current students, but the school may place age restrictions on such prom participants. The Junior and Senior classes may participate in fund raisers throughout the school year to reduce the cost of prom. It is estimated about 8 million girls attend prom in the United States each year.

Prom tickets are sold at school and are traditionally purchased by boys for the couple. They can also be bought individually. It is not unusual for people attending prom as friends to purchase a "couple's ticket." The cost of half of one couple's ticket is generally less than that of one for an individual.