This is discussion archived from a time before the current discussion method was installed.
Susan Davis: I moved a number of examples of this trope that had been listed under Schoolgirl Lesbians here, and moved Haruka and Michiru to Schoolgirl Lesbians.
Hi: Something I learned in my women's history class was that at one point, young women who entered universities in America were expected to form (temporary) romantic relationships with other young women.
Dentaku: Which is strange, since you cannot switch your feelings on and off, e.g. "Oh, I'm older now so now I don't like you anymore". I suspect that it caused quite some heartache to the very least.
{Jolanda}: I don't get the difference between "Romantic" Two-Girl Friendship and Schoolgirl Lesbians. Maybe someone could explain it explicitly in one or both of the entries? Assuming I'm not the only one who doesn't get it... :-)
Andyzero: Yeah, this trope got a major case of people not paying attention to the description. The point is, very young girls having relationships aren't considered "real" in the sense "normal" m/f or even Yaoi is. Just a phase that girls grow out of.
Binaroid: I thought the difference was that "Romantic" Two-Girl Friendship was a close friendship that only boorish gaijin and/or perverts would think was actually lesbian... while Schoolgirl Lesbians happens if at least one of the characters starts thinking of their relationship that way, too.
Andyzero: This is an actual Japanese concept, though. Related, I remember being accused in the 90's of being a pervert by Sailor Moon forums because I argued that Haruka and Micihru were lovers. Heh.
Anon Troper: This isn't just Japanese. The Victorians were big on this kind of thing too.
Big T: Heck, if you watch, you'll even find it here...IN AMERICA!
HackerOnHacker: Looking at the Real Life section, I'm thinking this trope might need a Troper Tales page.
Tricksterson: So make one.
