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What is Truth or Dare?

Michael Pollick
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,160
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In the adolescent slumber party universe, the game simply called "Truth or Dare" stands alone. While other party games such as "Post Office" or "Spin the Bottle" ebb and flow in popularity, Truth or Dare has generally remained a popular, if potentially embarrassing, staple whenever three or more tweens or teenagers have gathered together with popcorn and sleeping bags. The rules are relatively straightforward: a player can choose to tell the truth in response a personal question, or elect to perform a physical dare selected by other players.

Since the truth-telling and dare suggestions could become hazardous, many organizers set up specific house rules before playing the game. A suggested dare may have to be performable within the room itself, for example. Truthful responses to personal questions should be kept confidential is another common house rule. Other Truth or Dare restrictions could include no indecent exposure, no physical contact between players or no use of recording devices.

Once the house rules have been established, players take turns responding to the question "Truth or dare?" If the player chooses truth, then the other participants discuss an appropriate question. Many of the questions posed are intentionally personal by design, but are not meant to inflict permanent harm to the player. Subjects often include romantic experiences, embarrassing memories or personal opinions on topics of the day. A typical Truth or Dare question might be, "Have you ever kissed a boy when his parents were in the same room?"

The other option is, of course, the dare. If a player opts for a dare, the other players can suggest almost any sort of physical challenge, as long as it complies with general house rules. A player may have to consume a disgusting concoction, for example, or perform an embarrassing dance in front of the entire group. Other dares may include kissing another player, or calling a secret romantic crush on the phone. The dares are only limited by the players' imaginations. There is often a penalty for failing to complete a dare or answer a question truthfully, however.

There is always the potential for abuse or exploitation when playing Truth or Dare, especially in a mixed group of teenagers, so participants need to police themselves very carefully. Answers to personal questions should be kept strictly confidential, and players should be given the right to reject a question that crosses a personal boundary. Dares should also be safe to perform and not involve inappropriate physical contact between players. It can be a safe party game for all ages as long as the house rules are respected.

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Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

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Discussion Comments
By Sierra02 — On May 24, 2011

This is one of those games that can get you into trouble with your friends no matter what age you are. But if these girls are all good friends and try not to hurt each others feelings then it should be some good honest fun.

Some innocent truth or dare questions might be what's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done, or the funniest thing that ever happened to you, or the silliest or the dumbest, you know, things along that line.

As far as the consequences go, if they refuse to answer truthfully or refuse to do the dare, then from what I remember, is that everyone chooses a dare in secret and that person gets to pick one of them. But she has to do the new dare, no matter how bad it is, or she's out of the game.

By ladyjane — On May 23, 2011

I'm keeping my niece for two weeks this summer while her parents go on vacation. I promised her a slumber party one night and they can do the typical girl stuff like hair and nails, movies, popcorn, dancing and singing.

I'm hoping to keep them entertained without a lot of video games so I think I'll add truth or dare to the mix. But it's been so long since I've played it, I can't remember what the consequences are when you don't accept the dare or when you refuse to answer the truth.

And what are some good truth or dare questions for the girls? They're all around ten years old so I'd prefer to keep it clean.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range...
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