The Difference Between Halloween and Date Parties

It's that season again.

The sweaters and scarves are out, the air is a little more crisp, we're busily looking for dates to our parties, and seeking dates to other formals.

Then there's the ever present question, "What are you going as?"

Whether we're talking sorority functions or an age old tradition it seems to be the same question, so why do they differ? Well in all honesty, the sad truth is that the memories we enjoyed as children are apparently frowned upon in our ripe old age of you know...20. So we created Halloween for big kids. Unnecessary you think? Well let's talk about what happens if you try to do Halloween the old way nowadays..

1) Judgement.
        At date parties you get to dress up with your sisters and their lucky dates. Usually that comes with a lot of talk prior to the event about what everyone will wear. You show up to the venue feeling confident in your outfit and knowing that you look good. The thought of someone else stealing your thunder or thinking you look stupid has never even crossed your mind.

         On Halloween, regardless of what clever ensemble you choose, you will still be concerned that you'll end up somewhere that it's inappropriate, or that someone won't understand who you are. We all know how annoying it is when a stranger doesn't understand your Regina George impersonation. It's just not as funny after you explain it.

2) Competition
           At date parties, even if you show up in the same outfit as one of your sisters, the two of you can share a good laugh, pose for a few pictures, and probably even make each other your #WCW afterward. It's totally fine.

          On Halloween, if you show up dressed like someone else, it may get a little awkward. The best part is when the person dressed just like you, is the one who is secretly hoping to run into you ten years and fifty pounds from now. Chances are, you probably won't leave the party as bffs.

3) Activities
           At date parties, regardless of your activities of choice before or after, you pretty much know what's going down at all times. Dancing, pictures, maybe a photo booth or so, and some refreshments. All of which you're completely used to, and are close enough to being age appropriate.

          On Halloween, you're constantly wondering if you're too old to be wearing a costume, even though you want to trick or treat so bad... it's probably about 10 years too late for that. So your options are probably someone's house party or hanging out in a church parking lot handing candy to kids. All of which is fine, but then walking back to your car or into your apartment just some how feels so much more awkward than it would if you just got off of a bus with about 80 other people who looked just like you.

4) Costumes
          At date parties, you're a little more daring, you can wear whatever you want and not worry about what people will say because chances are these people already know and it's probably already been said to your face, as it should be. Your sisters will embrace your quirkiness, or your slightly too high thigh slit, with laughter and maybe a few embarrassing pictures that end up being totally worth it.

         On Halloween, you spend much more time worrying about who will be around. What if I run into my mom's best friend, or a flock of tiny humans, or my middle school preacher? Would he appreciate the horns you're sporting on your head? Or your blonde barbie wig and your leggings as pants? Probably not, though it shouldn't matter what anyone thinks, you will still walk away from that conversation feeling much more awkward than you would if you were talking to your advisor.

5) Candy
          Halloween wins this one. You could have the coolest candy bar I've ever seen at your date party, but nothing beats the memories of knocking on doors to take candy from strangers. The one day of the year you're allowed to break almost every rule your parents ever made. Come on.

The moral of the story children, is that though costume parties and the so called holiday that is always playful and full of calories that obviously don't count may seem like they're essentially the same, they most certainly are not.

I however will most likely be partaking in both. Candy and costumes, it's a win win.