What is homecoming dance? Who goes to it? and whats the difference between that & prom? can schools have both?

Question

Our school is thinking about having a homecoming.

Answer 1

One can do both; homecoming is typically a fall event, while a prom is often held in the spring.  It is mostly a question of how interested people are in partying.

Answer 2

Homecoming is usually the game where the school's alumni come back to check in, get update, and meet old friends.  The dance if for the students of the high school, and it's usually after the game.  So that means it's in October (usually) and is definitely NOT a formal occasion!  Prom, on the other hand, is in the spring, and IS a formal dance, usually the first formal dance a student will attend.