American Style is most popular in the United States, whereas the International Style, which is also known as the English Style, is danced throughout the rest of the world.

The American Style Smooth dances, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz, experience more freedom and expression. They may be danced in closed or open position, allowing for additional innovative tricks and creative arm and hand styling. The International Style Standard Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz are danced only in closed position. The technique for both styles is similar.

The American Style Rhythm dances, which are Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Samba, Mambo, Bolero, and Merengue, have a greater variety of patterns, and are
more suited for social dancing. The International Style Latin Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive are more disciplined and technical.

The technique is different between the styles and changes throughout the
years. American Style dancing has always been more popular for social dancing in the United States.

East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing share many qualities such as music and some pattern similarities. It is best to focus on the differences.

East Coast Swing is danced with no particular alignment, it turns right and left, and is mostly a rotational dance
on the spot, not progressive. Once you master the basic triple rhythm a great emphasis is placed on pattern knowledge and variety.

West Coast Swing, however, is danced with a flexible alignment structure.

American/International Style Tango is a dramatic, progressive dance using body movements. Argentine Tango uses slower music, is more of a spot dance, is easier to dance on a smaller floor, and uses a lot of leg and foot action.