Lasers and neon lights are flashing everywhere. Fake IDs are spread out on the grounds. Everyone is filled with happiness and dancing as if they do not have a care in the world. There are girls half dressed with neon print outfits and heavy makeup. The stages around the crowd feature top DJs with eccentric names. Most will be partying non stop for a couple nights straight.

‘90s music genre “techno” evolved into Electronic Dance Music, more widely known as “EDM.” Raves became something many teenagers added onto their bucket list for when they turned eighteen.

Raves consist of a large open space filled with sometimes more than one DJ, colorful lasers everywhere, and people practically naked having a heart beat the same as the EDM. Just watching an upcoming rave’s trailer would get someone excited for the event. Names like “Enchanted” and “Escape” are small words to describe what really goes on during the massive concerts.The music never turns off and the people are all together in one big ecstacy.

Raves were coming to the scene when techno and house music became popular in the ‘80s. Raves are known for their loud electronic music, bright provocative clothing worn by the “ravers,” and the infamous substances consumed by a large group of the audience.

It has been a while now that under-18 raves have come on to the scene. Small DJs are hosting them in concert halls. The most recent local under-18 concert was from DJ RL Grime on Jan. 23. Hundreds of people in Los Angeles was attending due to the DJ’s popularity, the cheap ticket price and no age limit.

The ticket price for an under-18 rave compared to an actual one is more affordable, usually ranging between $20 – $80. “TIckets are very cheap to the events,” said junior Hasmik Mehrabyan. “But when they are sold out I can sell them for almost triple, if I plan on not going.”

The attire to raves is set to the minimum for most females. Girls usually dress up in spiked/neon tops and almost nonexistent outfits. Everything is completely bright and provocative. The under-18 raves are not as big as the huge ones hosted by Insomniac,inc. When attending an under-18 rave there is a higher chance for someone to visit a bigger one in the near future.

Most “ravers” tend to wear “Kandi,” also known as hand crafted and beaded bracelets. The top is similar to a bra and the bottom tends to be an extremely short skirt, tutu or neon shorts.

When the word “rave” comes up, people tend to think of the infamous drug “E” or “Ecstasy.” If someone isn’t sneaking in the drugs, then someone else often ends up offering them some. According to the L.A. Times, since early February 2013, nine ravers across America have died of some suspected or confirmed overdoses of Ecstasy, Molly or other club drugs.

According to the Times, Los Angeles City College student Arrel Christopher Cochon was tested positive for Ecstasy and Methamphetamine when his autopsy was taken at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. Arrel was another person in their twenties wanting to attend a rave for the amazing experience others have claimed to have. Unfortunately, Arrrel Cochen was the sixteenth victim during an Insomniac inc. concert rave.

Due to the effects of Ecstasy, a person tends to become very thirsty. According to the Times, Cohen “staggered away from his friends at the concert in search of water.” He then fell to the ground and had a cardiac arrest. Arrel Cohen later on fell to a coma and passed away three days later.

Although raves tend to be for eighteen and older, there are always many who are under the age minimum. Fake ID’s are often easy for anyone under the age limit to obtain. “Using my cousin’s driver’s licence to get in was so easy for me,” said a senior who preferred to remain anonymous. “Some people end up paying hundreds for their own personalized ID, yet my cousin’s was my best option.”

Many lawsuits have been filed in the past due to deaths and injuries caused during the raves. The lawsuits were due to substance abuse and/or injuries. The cases are up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The family of a 15-year-old girl who died of an ecstasy overdose at a rave in 2012 will receive a $190,000 lawsuit settlement, according to the L.A. Times.

Insomniac, Inc and the Los Angeles Coliseum were both sued by the parents of Sasha Rodriguez. Insomniac, Inc did not admit that they had fault, yet paid $175,000. Todd DeStefano, an insurer for the Coliseum, paid an additional $15,000.

During raves, many people are so caught up in the music — and whatever substance they might be on — that they often give their surroundings no attention. Someone could be stomped to death in a mosh pit and later be found dead a couple hours later.

The Los Angeles Coliseum death was the infamous one that hit news. The death of Sasha Rodriguez caused a stir in the “rave world.” The Coliseum did not host a rave for a while after the lawsuit and death.

News of such deaths and injuries among ravers spread very quickly via social media. While a rave can be a memorable experience, such incidents remind attendees that they also need to exercise responsibility.