Chat line

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Wikipedia

A chat line is a service that allows people to meet and talk with others via telephone call. When multiple people can join the call, they are also called party lines.

Description

A chat line service introduces users to others to with via telephone call, often for a particular topic of interest.[1] The service may facilitate one-on-one communication or group interactions. Chat lines may be similar to CB radio in which a number of people both listen and speak together;[2] the term party line may be used for group calls.[1] Chat lines have been likened to the "precursor to the internet chat room".[3]

Chat lines may be used for dating to connect users looking for companionship or various other reasons.[4] Users of chat lines call the phone number of a chat line provider to setup their profile and get matched with a person or group.[4] Many modern services employ moderation and security features.[4]

History

In the 1980s in the United States, party lines were advertised on television and frequently used by teenagers.[3] Services typically charged for use at a rate based on the number of minutes using the service.[3] To restrict access to chat lines, telephone customers employed the ability to pay a fee and block access to phone numbers from the 900 Service Corporation.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Carrington, Yerodin (July 2020). "The Chronicles of the Chatline and Partyline". American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 5 (3): 247–252.
  2. ↑ Noll, A. Michael (2007). The Evolution of Media. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 34–35. ISBN 978-0742554818. OCLC 70778314.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Buck, Stephanie (2017-02-06). "1980s teens spent thousands flirting with strangers on the phone". Timeline. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  4. 1 2 3 "Everything You Need To Know About Dating Chat Lines". 2020-04-17. Retrieved 2025-11-17.