English country dancing originates in the Renaissance period and continues through the early 19th century. Think somewhat closer in style to square dancing. Minuets are also popular in the 18th century, though more formal, but with intricate steps. The waltz also became fashionable starting in the late 18th c., though evidence shows that type of close partner dancing had existed for while, just not to that popularity. "Polkamania" spread around the world in the 1840s, bringing the very lively polka step. I've quite literally lost my pinned on hat while doing this.

The big step forward (ha) comes with jazz music and the change from sequenced dances. Dance crazes come about in the 1910s with things like the grizzly bear, castle walk, tango, fox trot, etc. Suddenly partners were free to learn and try whatever new step came out and incorporate it as they chose. Ragtime dancing even brought about famous dancers, Irene and Vernon Castle. A couple of decades later we have Fred & Ginger (they even made a movie about the Castles).

Of course, this is just a general overview. There are so many named dances out there. And, I must say, as someone who does most of these, I find some of the older styles more complex. If you have someone calling the steps it's easy, but if you have to remember the entire sequence of steps for numerous dances it's very, very difficult. There's no way to get swing wrong unless you stop dancing!