It seems like the term “boy band” is being very loosely thrown around these days. Just because a group of young, good-looking men are in a band together, this does NOT make them a boy band. If you go by this rule, then we’d have to call The Strokes and Vampire Weekend boy bands. I think we can universally agree that they are not.
So, what exactly is a “boy band” then? Let’s consult the dictionary!
Boy band (noun): a group of young men who perform popular songs together and dance as a group.
Now compare this to the definition of a band:
Band (noun): a group of musicians who play music together.
See the difference? The biggest being that boy bands DANCE. We’d also add that they tend to dress in matching/similar outfits, and are known for their harmonies.
Just because a group of young, cute guys are in a band, and in many cases being marketed to younger audiences, it does NOT mean they are a boy band. Now, here are some examples.
NKOTB – Boy band!
Big Time Rush – Boy band!
Backstreet Boys – Boy band!
Jonas Brothers – NOT a boy band!
The Vamps – NOT a boy band!
Midnight Red – Boy band!
5SOS – NOT a boy band!
AJR – NOT a boy band!
NSYNC – Boy band!
Got it? In summary, being boys in a band does NOT make you a boy band. Please choose your words wisely.
And if you’re a group of boys in a band, and you don’t dance OR play instruments? We’re just not sure what to call you.
For example, The Wanted – Props for trying though! Dancing is hard.
secretfangirls 
Ditto! People nowadays are just putting the term “boy band” into the connotation of “a group of boys who do music”. If you look back at the bands in the 90’s – those are some true boys bands.