The 1980s being the major theme of this episode, there are tons of 80s pop culture references throughout, particularly ones in reference to Back to the Future (1985). Some of these references include the Delorean, a skateboarder trailing a truck, and Landon wearing an orange vest.
Decade Dance Nod to The Vampire Diaries: Josie announces to the other students: "Alright, everybody work together. Lizzie is going to be here any second, and trust me you don't want to have only 98 balloons." In Season 4 Episode 12 (1980's Decade Dance) of The Vampire Diaries, Bonnie says to Elena: "Do you think Caroline will notice if there are only 89 red balloons?"
Other 80's references include a girl who looks like Clare (Molly Ringwald) in The Breakfast Club dancing like the character Clare from that same movie. There is also a group of teens doing the arm pumping line dance from The Breakfast Club a little later in episode.