Prom Dates: 5 Boy Traps To Avoid

Once they're set, boy traps can be tough to get out of. But there's no reason to get freaked out. Keep in mind that whatever situation you're in -- however sticky or difficult it seems at the time -- there's always an escape route. So if your guy is into playing cat and mouse on prom night, these tips and tricks will show him that two can play that game.

1. The "Lock and Key" Trap

It's not like anything will happen, right? The two of you need a place to go after prom anyway, so why not a hotel room? Your guy may want to get more serious on prom night, but that's his business -- you don't have to along with the plan. Even if you've been dating for ages, prom night and sex rarely mix well. Take it from Kate Kelly, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Parenting a Teenager, "Prom night is the worst night for making sexual decisions. There's too much excitement and anticipation that could prevent you from making sound decisions."

Exit plan: Your best bet is to do some damage control early on. Be direct about not wanting a hotel room. Convince the other members of your prom group that not only are hotel rooms too expensive, but that heading out somewhere else together will be even more fun. If your guy still insists on getting the room, tell him your parents have imposed a curfew and leave it at that.

2. The "Happy Drunk" Trap

Your friends want to get the party started, and you don't! Not only that, your guy is drinking too. If your date keeps offering you alcohol, put your foot down immediately. No matter how good a time he seems to be having now, fast forward a few hours and you'll see just how quickly a few drinks can turn into a full-on drinking binge -- which is anything but fun.

Exit plan: The best way to combat these high-pressure tactics is to simply say that you don't like the taste of alcohol. If you blame it on your taste buds, it's not like anyone can blame you. Then show everyone that drinking does not equal fun by tearing up the dance floor with your date. And while his coordination may be a little off, you'll be energized enough to dance the whole night through.

3. The "Big Spender" Trap

While it may seem like an easy way out, letting your date pay for the whole prom could be a trap in disguise. Is he really all that generous or is something else going on here? Kate Kelly explains, "Don't let him do all the spending on prom or on dates. Girls can make their own money by baby sitting or [doing] other after school jobs. If guys pay more than their share, sometimes it's because they expect something in return." Yes, it's a total double standard, and yes, you don't owe him anything, but it's better safe than sorry here.

Exit plan: If your date offers to spring for the whole prom, tell him you'd rather go dutch. Explain that you're all about girl power, which means you expect to pay your own way. He may be caught off guard at first but in the end, he'll probably agree. After all, who wouldn't want to save a few bucks? Just remember, even if a date pays for you, you are under no obligation to do anything you're not comfortable with. A guy cannot buy sexual favors -- no matter how much he spends.

4: The "Easy Way Home" Trap

Let's face it, prom night is exhausting. All those pictures, dances, and parties -- it's no wonder you're zonked. Now imagine if you couldn't find your limo, and your only way home was to hitch a ride with your drunken date. Despite having a strict don't-drink-and-drive policy, you'd be surprised at likely you might be to make a bad decision if you're just too tired to deal.

Exit plan: Just remember, you should never, under any circumstances get into a car with a drunk driver. Call your home and have your parents pick you up. Sure, they might be bugged that you woke them up -- but once they're there, they'll be so proud of their little girl for making the right decision (translation: You'll be doing the right thing and winning major brownie points all at once).

5. The "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Trap

It's easy to get caught up in the "prom is a major once-in-a-lifetime event" mindset. The thought of slipping into a glitzy gown and dancing until the wee hours of the night is pretty exciting. So it's not surprising that some guys will use the "once-in-a-lifetime" trap to get you to break curfew. But you don't have to fall for it. Remember, there are plenty more parties and fabulous events in your future. Is it really worth worrying your poor parents by not coming home on time?

Exit plan: Prom is not the make-it-or-break it event your date and friends will have you think it is. If you don't treat prom as the biggest deal of your life, you won't be as likely to fall for this trick. Use this advice provided teen psychologist Dr. David Landers to avoid curfew pressure: "Blame your parents. Tell your date that your Dad (who's a cop, a marine, or a gun collector) gets really mad at anyone who keeps you out past curfew. Believe me, he'll get the picture fast." And don't forget -- if you get grounded because of a prom night infraction, guess who's not going to any graduation or end-of-the-year parties....

Prom is just the beginning of a lifetime of great memories -- it's not your last chance for fun. So if you find yourself in any of these sticky situations, have an exit plan ready and be ready to bail out fast!