Nielsen describes the stereotypical components of creative dating, which usually including extensive planning, bizarre expectations, low-cost activities, and costumes. She suggests that creative dating is peculiar to Mormon culture because that culture expects the wholesome standards and thrift that creative dating encourages. She also believes that Mormon's restrictive dietary code-which prohibits drinking and drugs-compels them to plan activities where they can be crazy without being intoxicated. She concludes that creative dating occurs at times of conjunction and disjunction and acts as a form of social control and social release. Created by Amber Herzog Nielsen when she was enrolled in Eric Eliason's English 392 course in Winter 2003.