The dating in films never shocked me, I just thought it was a kind of film thing that didn't really happen much in Real Life. Also asking people that isn't your SO to Prom, isn't a thing we do, you go with friends or your SO...

For me dating someone you barely know seems pretty pointless and also expensive in the long run, getting to know people in other social settings* seems better all around with the added bonus of being able to leave to talk to someone else without being rude.

*That are oddly similar to dating, except usually you have some friends around.