Chat line

A chat line is a service that allows people to meet and talk with others via telephone call. When multiple people can join the call, they are also called party lines.

Description

A chat line service introduces users to others to with via telephone call, often for a particular topic of interest. The service may facilitate one-on-one communication or group interactions. Chat lines may be similar to CB radio in which a number of people both listen and speak together; the term party line may be used for group calls. Chat lines have been likened to the "precursor to the internet chat room".
Chat lines may be used for dating to connect users looking for companionship or various other reasons. Users of chat lines call the phone number of a chat line provider to setup their profile and get matched with a person or group. Many modern services employ moderation and security features.

History

In the 1980s in the United States, party lines were advertised on television and frequently used by teenagers. Services typically charged for use at a rate based on the number of minutes using the service. To restrict access to chat lines, telephone customers employed the ability to pay a fee and block access to phone numbers from the 900 Service Corporation.