Why is prom so important to people?

Because they like spending lots of money on things that don't really matter. Kind of like big weddings...

I don't really agree with you that it is just a usual weekend party...at least where I live it is a big deal, and much bigger than usual parties. There is a DJ, food, it's at a special venue, and yes, it does cost the school a lot of money. I think people think it's a big deal because you have to go with a date and you have to dress up. I personally am excited to go to prom because I never get to dress up (which I love to do). My prom dress was 34 dollars and I already have a pair of heels I'm going to wear to prom, so it's not that expensive for me. I know it has become overly commercialized and overrated, but it is just another fun night before you graduate, the last major memory of your high school life other than the graduation ceremony.

It's silly.. there's no point. People should be spending that money for their wedding day not some overpriced school thing. I am not going to prom, its pointless to me. I'm going on to 12th grade and I find no need for prom.

It's the last major high school event before graduation. Supposedly the best night of our lives. Extremely overrated.

I don't know. I'd much rather be at home on Y!A because I'm a loser like that.

Its views as a rite of passage for many teenagers.