Because time tends to move forward, the Transformers-loving ‘80s kids naturally evolved into grunge-loving ‘90s teens. Like a switch had been flicked, glammed-out hair metal and bright, upbeat hip hop immediately felt lame, and darker, more depressing tunes completely took over. Techno and pop music kept things a bit lighter, so teens had something to smile about (unless that ‘90s apathy fully took hold).

Taking a page out of the ‘80s playbook, the ‘90s were chock full of subcultures. You might have thought that the different groups at cafeteria tables in ‘90s movies was a cliche, but it was actually pretty accurate. You know what? It’s near impossible to sum up an entire decade in a couple short paragraphs, so we’ll just show you a handful of windows into that world. 

Here are 21 pictures of Gen-Xers and Millennials just trying to figure out things in the ‘90s.