A sweet sixteen is a coming of age party to celebrate a girl's 16th birthday. It is usually held in the evening and includes dinner, dancing, and entertainment. The event is often hosted by the girl's parents or another family member, such as an aunt or grandmother.
The term sweet sixteen first appeared in print in 1866, in Godey's Lady's Book. At that time, it was used to describe a young woman at the peak of her physical attractiveness and desirability. Today, the phrase is used more broadly to refer to any 16-year-old girl.
For many girls, their sweet sixteen is an opportunity to dress up and feel like a princess for the night. It can be a very special and memorable event, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.