It seems as though everyone you talk to has an answer such as Lindyhop, East Coast Swing, Jive, or other of the Swing Dances. It depends on who you are talking to as to their definition of Jitterbug. The term Jitterbug was created in the 1930s. The people dancing to swing music were referred to as Jitterbugs - no matter what dance they were doing.

The jitterbug is a dance variation of the two-step in which couples swing, balance and twirl in standardized patterns to syncopated music in 4/4 time.

It originated in the U.S. in the mid 1930s and became internationally popular in the 1940s. It originally included acrobatic lifts and swings but it became modified in ballroom versions. Its step patterns varied and could include the Lindyhop and the Jive.

1940’s big band, with musicians like Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk were favourites amongst Jitterbug dancers as well as 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians like Fats Domino and the Everly Brothers.