From Elvis Presley and the rise of Beatlemania to Bieber Fever and One Direction infection, girls have idolized celebrities. Although the term “fangirl” is new, the idea of “fangirling” dates back to the ’50s.

Junior Alyssa Moreno has been a fan of the boy band One Direction for about three years.

“I have every album and I’ve watched most of their interviews.,” Moreno said. ” I definitely grew out of the screaming and crying phase, but the emotional attachment is still there.”

Although Moreno said she has moved passed the obsession phase.

“Zayn leaving was kind of a shock,” Moreno said. “I used to spend hours upon hours talking about them and all of a sudden Zayn left — it was shocking and surprisingly upsetting.”

Zayn Malik stated that he left to be a normal 22-year-old, but really he’s been working on new music, according to twitter user @NaughtyBoyMusic. Junior Emily Bireley, another fan, said she is not entirely opposed to his decision.

“I felt upset obviously because it’s not the same when a member of a band leaves,” Bireley said. “But if Zayn thought it was best then I think all of the fans should be happy for him and continue to support the band as before.”

Being a fangirl is more than obsessing and crying over boy bands. Being able to see them live is almost unreal, according to Bireley.

“My favorite experience as a fan was seeing 5 Seconds of Summer last April at House of Blues with my best friend,” Bireley said. “Waiting a few hours in line was definitely worth seeing 5sos in concert, especially since it was my first time at House of Blues. The strobe lights and aura of the crowd made it an exciting experience. It was unforgettable and I’ll keep those memories with me forever.”