1. Calling Their House and Praying Their Parents Didn’t Answer
Back in the ’80s, calling your crush meant dialing their house phone and hoping you didn’t have to make awkward small talk with their parents first. If their dad picked up, you’d either hang up and try again later or nervously ask if your crush was home while trying not to sound suspicious. There was no caller ID, so you could get away with calling multiple times until you worked up the courage to speak. If you finally got through, you had to keep your voice down so no one on another extension could eavesdrop. Conversations were short and sweet because there was always a sibling or parent waiting for the phone. The real pros had a code—one ring and a hang-up meant “call me back when your parents aren’t around.” And if you heard an unexpected click on the line, it was time to change the subject fast says 98.7 the Grand.
Talking on the phone was an art form, and flirting meant playing it cool while fighting off nerves. You had to plan your words carefully since there was no texting to clarify later. Sometimes, just hearing your crush’s voice was enough to make your night. And if they laughed at your joke? That was pure gold. Today’s teens wouldn’t last five minutes in a world where you couldn’t just shoot a quick “wyd?” text. But back then, those phone calls were the highlight of your day.
2. Writing and Folding Intricate Notes
Before texting, we had handwritten notes folded so creatively they could double as origami. If you liked someone, you’d write them a carefully worded message, complete with doodles and maybe even a perfume spritz for extra flair. These notes were passed in class like top-secret documents, often making several stops before reaching the intended person. There was always the risk that a teacher might intercept it, so you had to choose your words wisely. “Do you like me? Check yes or no” wasn’t just a joke—it was a legitimate way to gauge someone’s feelings. And if you really wanted to impress, you’d write in gel pen or use a different color for each sentence says Medium.
The best part was unfolding the note, which had been expertly tucked into some complex shape that only kids of the ’80s understood. If your crush wrote back, it meant your flirting had paid off, and you’d spend the rest of the day analyzing every word. A simple “You’re funny” could send you into a spiral of excitement. Today’s teens have emojis, but nothing beats the rush of seeing “LYLAS” (Love You Like A Sister) or “TTYL” scribbled at the bottom of a note. It was like decoding a secret language that only the cool kids spoke shares Los Angeles Times.
3. Flirting Over Party Lines
Before group chats, there were party lines—shared phone lines where multiple people could talk at once, often complete strangers. It was like an early version of social media, but with way more mystery and a lot of background noise. Teens would hop on, hoping to meet someone cute, but half the time, you’d just get stuck listening to some random person ramble. The challenge was figuring out who was worth talking to without giving away too much personal information. If you hit it off with someone, you’d try to move the conversation to a private call—assuming your parents weren’t already hogging the phone explains Chatline Guide.
Flirting on a party line was all about the voice. You had to sound cool, even if you were sitting in your pajamas with your braces showing. A well-timed laugh or a playful “guess what I look like” could keep the conversation going. The real pros knew how to drop hints without sounding desperate. Today’s teens have dating apps, but back then, it was all about charm, confidence, and hoping no one’s mom picked up mid-flirt.
4. Making Mix Tapes with Hidden Messages
Creating a mix tape for your crush was a labor of love, requiring hours of patience and a deep understanding of song lyrics. You had to sit by the radio, finger poised on the record button, ready to capture that perfect song. Every track choice was intentional—whether it was a love ballad to drop hints or a peppy tune to show off your cool taste in music. If you really wanted to be bold, you’d record a message at the beginning or end, saying something like, “Hope you like these songs… especially track five.” That was flirting at its finest.
Handing over the tape was nerve-wracking because once it was out there, your feelings were too. If they played it and mentioned liking a certain song, you knew they got the message. And if they made you a tape in return? That was the ultimate sign of mutual interest. Today’s teens have Spotify playlists, but they’ll never know the struggle of rewinding a cassette to the exact spot or the satisfaction of nailing the perfect song lineup.
5. Hanging Out at the Mall and “Accidentally” Running Into Them
The mall was basically the social headquarters for teen flirting in the ’80s. If you knew your crush worked at The Gap or hung out near the arcade, you’d casually show up with your friends and pretend it was a total coincidence. You had to time it right—too soon and it was obvious, too late and they might be gone. Walking by their favorite store just to see if they noticed you was a legitimate strategy. And if you made eye contact? That was basically a date.
If you were feeling bold, you’d stop to “browse” and hope they struck up a conversation. Maybe they’d compliment your new jacket, or you’d tease them about their terrible Pac-Man skills. The key was to act natural while secretly hoping they’d ask for your number. Today’s teens can stalk their crushes online, but back then, we had to rely on instinct, timing, and a little bit of luck.
6. Wearing Friendship Pins with Hidden Meanings
Friendship pins weren’t just cute accessories; they were secret love codes. You’d spend hours threading tiny beads onto safety pins, carefully selecting colors that hinted at inside jokes or special meanings. If you really liked someone, you might slip a pin onto their shoelace or backpack strap when they weren’t looking. It was a subtle way to say, “I’m into you,” without actually saying it.
Getting a friendship pin from your crush was a huge deal. If they wore it, that meant they liked you back—at least enough to keep a piece of you with them. It was low-risk flirting, but it worked. Today’s teens have Snapchat streaks, but there was something way more thrilling about spotting your handmade pin on someone’s shoe and knowing they chose to keep it there.
7. Passing a Message Through a Friend
If talking to your crush directly was too nerve-wracking, you’d recruit a mutual friend to do the heavy lifting. This was a delicate operation—your friend had to casually slip your name into conversation without making it obvious you were interested. A well-placed “Oh, did you hear what so-and-so said in class today?” could spark just enough curiosity to get your crush thinking about you. If they responded positively, the friend would report back with every tiny detail, and you’d analyze it like a detective solving a case.
Sometimes, your friend would take it a step further and flat-out ask, “So, what do you think about them?” If your crush blushed or smiled, that was a great sign. But if they just shrugged, it was time to regroup. It was risky, but when it worked, it was magic. Today’s teens can just DM someone directly, but where’s the fun in that? The thrill of waiting for your friend’s update was half the excitement.
8. Dropping Hints Through Song Dedications on the Radio
Nothing said “I like you” like requesting a song on the radio and hoping your crush was listening. You’d call up your favorite DJ, cross your fingers, and nervously say, “This next one is for you-know-who—hope they get the message!” If your crush actually heard it, you’d spend the next day at school trying to act casual while waiting for them to bring it up. Sometimes, you’d go the anonymous route and dedicate the song “to someone special,” leaving them to guess who it was from.
The best part was when a song dedication led to an actual conversation. “Hey, did you hear that request last night? That was totally for you.” Boom—instant flirting. Today’s teens can just send a song link in a text, but there was something so much more romantic about waiting by the radio, hoping your message made it on the air.
9. Spraying Their Locker with Your Signature Scent
Perfume and cologne were a huge part of ’80s flirting. If you wanted your crush to think of you, you made sure they associated you with a particular scent. Some people took this to the next level by “accidentally” spritzing their perfume near their crush’s locker, desk, or jacket. The hope was that they’d catch a whiff later and immediately think of you. If they commented, “Hey, what’s that smell?”—mission accomplished.
Scent-based flirting was subtle but effective. If your crush ever said, “I love the way you smell,” you knew you had them hooked. And if they started wearing the same cologne or perfume as you? That was a whole new level of connection. Today’s teens might have fancy body sprays, but they’ll never understand the power of leaving a Love’s Baby Soft or Drakkar Noir trail in the hallway.
10. Flirting with Stickers and Trapper Keeper Doodles
School supplies were more than just functional—they were tools for flirting. If you liked someone, you might stick a cute sticker on their notebook as a playful way of saying, “I see you.” Lisa Frank stickers, puffy hearts, or scratch-and-sniff designs all carried different levels of meaning. If your crush stuck one on your stuff in return, that was basically a relationship.
Doodling on each other’s Trapper Keepers or folders was another prime flirting method. A tiny heart in the corner of their notes or a goofy inside joke scribbled on their binder meant something. It was like an analog version of tagging someone in a meme, but way more personal. Today’s teens can send a GIF in seconds, but there was something special about seeing your crush’s handwriting on your folder and knowing they took the time to leave you a message.
11. Holding Hands at the Roller Rink
Skating rinks were prime flirting territory, and holding hands while skating was the ultimate goal. The trick was to find the right song—something slow and romantic—so you could glide across the rink without looking desperate. If your crush reached for your hand first, it was a huge deal. Even if you were both wobbling and barely staying upright, that tiny moment of contact meant everything.
The best part was when the DJ played a couples-only skate, and you got invited to join. That meant your flirting had officially paid off. You’d spend the entire next day replaying the moment in your head, analyzing every detail with your friends. Today’s teens have first-date selfies, but nothing compared to the feeling of holding hands under a disco ball with “Every Breath You Take” playing in the background.
12. Sending Candy Grams on Special Occasions
School fundraisers were a built-in opportunity to flirt, especially when they involved candy grams. Whether it was for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just a random spirit week event, sending a small bag of candy with a handwritten note was a perfect way to let someone know you were thinking about them. The message could be sweet and simple—“Happy Valentine’s Day!”—or more flirty, like “Hope you have a sweet day (just like you)!”
The real excitement came when the candy grams were delivered. If your crush looked around the room after receiving one, hoping to catch your eye, you knew you’d made an impact. And if they sent one back? Instant butterflies. Today’s teens can send emojis and GIFs, but nothing beats the thrill of opening a classroom-delivered note and realizing someone went out of their way to make your day a little sweeter.