What is Hoco? Meaning, Importance & Everything You Need to Know

Megan Evans Megan Evans

Sep 25, 2025 03:08 pm

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Hoco, or Homecoming, is a classic and most anticipated tradition in American high schools that brings current and former students together to celebrate school spirit and pride. This marks a moment of unity and excitement and strengthens the bonds within the community. Yet many don’t know what is Hoco, or its significance. If you’re one of them, you’re at the right place.

what is hoco

This article deep dives into the meaning of Hoco and why it’s considered such an important event in high schools. Besides, you’ll learn about the Hoco dance, which is one of the highlights of most schools. This helps you appreciate its role in shaping high school memories and traditions.

Part 1. What is Hoco?

Hoco is a hashtag that students and creators use to categorize and refer to the content related to the most beloved tradition in American schools, Homecoming.  During the fall every year, TikTok is filled with videos of people in gorgeous dresses, nice suits, on football fields, dance floors, in gyms, with corsages, and in limousines, which continue for around a few weeks.

Hoco TikTok posts include getting-ready montages, Hoco outfits, makeup and accessories, creative ways to ask someone, dance clips, and after-party content. Browsing through TikTok videos should give you a brief idea about what Hoco is on TikTok. Here’s a closer look at the popular Hoco terms and hashtags that you’ll find on TikTok:

#HocoSpiritWeek

Students use this hashtag to post snippets of Spirit Week, including everyday themes, dress-ups, and activities they participate in. Keep an eye on transformation videos, lip sync videos, and dance challenges with the #HocoSpiritWeek hashtag. Also, there are makeup tutorials, DIY costume ideas, and behind-the-scenes decoration videos. These videos not only capture the fun and excitement of people surrounding the event but also inspire students participating in it.

hoco spirit week on tiktok

#PepRally

Another event is organized at the end of Spirit Week, called a pep rally. On TikTok, students use the #PepRally hashtag to post videos of themselves dancing, performing, and playing games during the event.

pep rally on tiktok

#hoco #football

You know what football is in Homecoming, and how eagerly students look forward to this event. Search for #Hoco and #football on TikTok, you’ll see tons of proposals on the football field, students, teachers, and alumni cheering for the home team, preparations for the game, and more.

hoco football game on tiktok

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#HocoParade

As is evident, the hashtag is used to showcase the snippets of the homecoming parade that starts before a football match. You’ll find videos that highlight the float’s designs and parade themes. Cheerleaders, marching bands, and dance teams often post snippets of their performances in parades. Besides, there are clips of the parade’s most exciting moments, such as the arrival of guests, the Homecoming court, and crowd reactions.

hoco parade on tiktok

#HocoCourt

TikTok is often a place to understand what Hoco is in school. Creators use the #HocoCourt to showcase the excitement and school spirit of the event by sharing the crowning and emotional moments of the students. These are typically set with trending music to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.

hoco court on tiktok

Part 2. What is Hoco Dance?

The Hoco dance, or Homecoming dance, is the last day of the homecoming week and is probably the most exciting day for most students. They dress up to dance all night with their friends, date, or even alone. You’ll find tons of videos featuring the Hoco dance on TikTok. It can be “get ready for dance night clips, dance clips, and behind-the-scenes moments.” You’ll also see what Hoco proposal is, with many creators showcasing unique ways to ask someone out for a dance date.

hoco proposal on tiktok

To make the dance night more memorable, students might attend after-parties at friends’ or family members’, or they might go out for pizza or to casual restaurants. Many creators post the after-party snippets on TikTok, so you can browse them to understand what food is at Hoco. Aside from that, a school might sponsor a more formal after-party, but it focuses on activities rather than food.

hoco
food on tiktok

FAQs about Hoco

How do people dress for Hoco?

Hoco is a semi-formal event, and people are seen in their semi-formal attire. For example, girls typically wear short dresses in styles like sequined, fitted, or two-piece, while guys wear suits with button-down shirts and ties or pants with a collared shirt.

Is Hoco only for students?

No, Hoco is not only for school students but a school-wide celebration that includes various events open to current students, seniors, juniors, alumni, families, and the wider community. However, the formal Homecoming dance might be reserved for current students.

How is Homecoming different from prom?

Homecoming is a more relaxed event than prom, which students attend with either a date or friends. It takes place in the fall season, its dress code is semi-formal, and it doesn’t primarily involve dancing.

Is Hoco a high school thing?

Yes, Hoco, or Homecoming, is a traditional celebration in high schools and colleges in the United States that fosters school spirit. While its roots lie in college traditions, it often includes pep rallies, a football game, a court, and a dance.

Are dates required for Hoco?

No, Hoco or Homecoming is a semi-formal event that doesn’t mandate a date. You can take your friends or go solo to dance and have a fun time. The primary focus of the event is for the students to have a good time, irrespective of who they are with.

Conclusion

Hoco, or Homecoming, is a cherished tradition in American high schools and colleges that brings school communities together to celebrate pride, spirit, and dance. From freshman to senior, alumni, parents, and anyone from the community can participate in football games and other events to gain an unforgettable experience. You can find snippets of such events across multiple schools on TikTok and get to understand what is Hoco, why it’s more than just an event, and how its impact resonates far beyond the school or college. 

Megan Evans

By Megan Evans

A certified content marketing specialist with great passion for Internet and online safety. She is bent on educating the audience about cyber safety tips and tricks.

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