Argentine tango has what are called códigos or codes/rules for the the milonga and the dance floor (la ronda).   Below is a compilation of several sources including a nice handout from ASU Tango Club.

Safety and Consent!  Your comfort and continuous consent come first! If you are uncomfortable you can end the dance or say no to anyone. Do not stay silent if there is unwanted attention. Go to your organizer or Mother Bear (that would be me). 

Asking to Dance: Cabeceo is the cultural and preferred way to invite someone to dance as it gives a person a graceful way to decline. Verbal requests are often used in local communities but be respectful of those who prefer cabeceo. It is okay to decline a dance. You are not obligated nor entitled to dance with someone. There are all sorts of reason someone may not want to dance.

Make eye contact with the person you want to dance with (mirada) and nod at them. If they nod back that is a yes. Not nodding or looking away ( or in conversations) is a no. 

Music & Tandas: People usually dance with the same partner for a tanda (3-4 songs in a row of the same orchestra) until the cortina (30-6- seconds of a very different song) plays. You can accept an invitation anytime in the tanda and if you need to- you can end the tanda. You are never obligated to stay dancing if it’s uncomfortable. 

Floorcraft: Dance in a counter-clockwise direction. There may be a few lanes you can dance in! Once you pick a lane, try to stay there for the tanda. Avoid Cutting: Try not to pass the dancers in front of you. Do not cut across the dance floor.



Entering the Floor: If it's crowded, make eye contact with the leader you want to enter in front of. Wait to enter until they nod or wink at you.

Try to maintain an equal amount of space between the couple in front of and behind you. When crowded, keep your feet on the ground, don’t lead large moves, and don't dance against line of dance!



Exiting the Floor: When the tanda ends, thank your partner. Leaders should walk their follower off the dance floor or back to their seat.



Avoid Teaching & talking while dancing: Milongas are for dancing and having fun! Save the learning for workshops classes or practicas. Talking while dancing distracts the dancers around you. Save the conversation for in-between songs or after dancing.