International standard dance specifically refers to two major categories and ten dances used in competitions. Modern dance (Morden dance, or Standard dance) category includes Slow Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz; Latin dance ( Latin Dance) categories include Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble. The origins of these ten dances are very different. Some come from European courts, and some evolved from African indigenous dances. They were produced by dance organizations selecting and rearranging prescribed movements from many dance types, and were officially included in the ranks of international standard dances. The time is also different. The Royal Society of Dance Teachers finally confirmed the above 10 dance types in 1960.

The full name of international standard dance is International Standard in English, and it is referred to as national standard dance in Chinese. In English, it is also commonly referred to as Ballroom Dance (ballroom dance), Sport Dance (sports dance) and Social Dance (social dance), but in fact The latter two English terms include a wider scope.