Asking someone to the prom is a lot different than just asking someone out in general. If you ask someone out, it might be casual - to a movie, to grab some food at the local burger joint. There's no stress, you're not going to be on display, you can always choose which night to go and grab another if you're busy.

With a prom, there's only ONE. It's a huge deal, everybody is paying attention to everybody. It's something people dream about for years beforehand, and have in their memories for the rest of their lives. It's something extremely important, and you can only go with one person.

So you need to keep these things in mind when you're planning on asking someone out. This isn't something you want to spring on someone when you're standing around lockers with 80 other people standing nearby, making that person make an instant decision. You want a YES decision of course, so you want to make the environment as comfortable as possible so that the person WILL say yes.

Note that I'm saying "person" and not "girl". Girls can ask guys out!! Many, many girls ask guys out. If you're a girl, don't be shy. This isn't 1950. If you're interested in a guy, definitely let him know. Follow these same guidelines.

Make it Private
Your date will want some time to think over your offer, probably, if only to show that he/she took the decision seriously. Don't make the person answer right in public. However you ask the person, do it in private with just you two.

Give him/her Time
Don't pressure for an immediate answer. If you get one, that's great! But make the request gentle, not "I must know now!!!".

Try a Romantic Note
This is a GREAT way to ask someone to the prom, because it meets the other two requirements, plus it adds that touch of special romance. It doesn't need to be a long, flowery note. It should be handwritten, and have of course her name and your name on it so there's no confusion. How about "I would be honored if you would attend the prom with me as my date." You can also use the various love poems on the left if you want to add a special touch. This lets the person read it in private, plus lets them take their time in answering you, when they are ready.

If you can't get your first choice, don't despair! A lot of the fun at a prom is just hanging out with friends and having fun. So go with someone that you can talk to, don't stress about the romance aspect if it's not there, and just have a good time!

How To ... in Love