People Public Long Affectionate Kissing Acceptable Touching Close

In the United States, people have different ideas about what kinds of public displays of affection (PDAs) are acceptable. It "varies" (is different) depending on the age of people, and what part of the country they live in.

Almost everyone believes that holding hands in public is okay. Most people believe that kissing and hugging is acceptable, too. But very long kisses and hugs, or lots of touching, is often "considered" (thought or believed) to be indecent and inappropriate. "Snuggling" (holding another person close for a long time) sometimes even sleeping, is usually not appropriate in public. However, during the spring and summer, couples are seen snuggling on blankets in the grass at public parks. As long as there isn't too much kissing and touching, most people don't "mind" (object) to it. Sometimes, however, another person in the park might feel "offended" (insulted) and shout, "Why don't you two get a room?" to try to "embarrass" the couple, or make them feel ashamed, so that they stop snuggling.

At nightclubs, PDAs are more acceptable, even though these are still public places. Many young people enjoy dancing close to each other and rub their bodies against each other in sexual ways while they are moving to the music. At nightclubs, these couples are surrounded by other young people doing the same thing, so no one objects. But when older people see it, they often think that it is indecent.

In general, each "generation" (group of people with similar ages) seems to accept more PDAs than the "prior" (earlier) generation did. Over time, U.S. culture is becoming more tolerant about what other people do in public.