Prom 2010. Sigh.

If you're reading this from the Columbus area, you've probably already spotted gown-clad teenagers enjoying a "formal" dinner at Cheddar's.

Get used to it. Prom season will continue for approximately the next nine months.

OK, maybe that's an exaggeration. But after consulting this list of local prom dates, you'll see I'm not too far off.

I always enjoy spying on the teenage masses having pre-prom dinners at Columbus Park Crossing.

You have the standard characters, everyone from the guy wearing too much cologne to the girl whose family failed to tell her that skin-tight leopard print is not flattering.

My people-watching highlight last season occurred when I spotted a young woman sporting PLASTIC HEELS in Cheddar's. The worst part: She was apparently attending a middle school prom.

Maybe her fashion travesty wasn't an isolated event. Here, the NY Post describes this year's prom fashion trend: "slutty chic." That means it's cool to reveal your bellybutton...and more.

When I was in high school, we had to wear head-to-toe burlap bodysuits to prom. Just kidding. Dates were mandatory for the event, though. That's apparently changed in the 10 years since I graduated.

Weigh in: How has prom changed since you bought your first corsage or boutonniere?