Teenage romance is everywhere – from the big screen to the blue hallway. Dating in high school can range from playfully casual to seriously mature. Yet, some pairs have trouble finding a balance between fun and commitment. “I think planning your wedding now is a bad idea,” said sophomore Kristina Moyer.

Junior Adam Kruszewski feels the same way; “It’s good to figure out what you’re attracted to in the opposite gender,” he said. But high school is not a likely place to find a life partner. “We don’t have the capacity to understand true relationships yet,” he added. “It’s not ideal, yet – there’s too much change going on in our lives.”

“People need to be cautious and realize they’re still in high school,” said sophomore Holly Chiswell, who has been dating her boyfriend, junior Garrett Roberts, for well over a year, which is generally considered a long time for a high school couple.

Teenagers don’t always take as long as a year to get serious. “I think the words ‘I love you’ are overused,” said sophomore Katie Brown, who thinks dating should be about “how you feel together.”

Sophomores Lauren Steward and Greg Lobe clearly feel good together, as they have been dating for almost a year. They help each other with homework and insist that the secret to a strong relationship is “honesty and all that jazz.”

With strenuous school hours, after school activities, and other common obligations, couples really do have to work hard to stay together. “It’s hard sometimes because we can’t read each other’s minds,” said Roberts.

Besides dealing with communication, couples must make decisions involving both public and private displays of affection. “Dating shouldn’t be just about the physical stuff,” said Brown.

Some choose to show off their feelings for significant others in Quince Orchard High School’s crowded hallways. Couples do anything from hold hands or get some tongue-hockey in before the second bell rings. “Sometimes it’s awkward [to walk by couples],” said senior Ariel Steinbaum. “I feel like I shouldn’t be looking at them.”

To these overly affectionate couples, Kruszewski said, “Do what you do. I’m happy for you. I’m happy that you’re happy.”