Billboard launched the Dance Club Songs chart in 1974 to track the records most popular in American dance clubs.
The chart originally reflected reports from disc jockeys and club venues rather than conventional retail sales or radio airplay. That made it especially important during disco’s rise, because many club hits became influential before receiving broad mainstream exposure.
The chart has changed names over time, including Hot Dance Club Play and Dance Club Songs. Its methodology also evolved, but its central purpose remained measuring popularity in dance-oriented venues.
It is sometimes confused with Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, which measures radio and mix-show exposure. The club chart specifically focused on records played by DJs for dancers.