what are the principles to good dancing top40/popular music, let's say, in the united states?

i'm not a bad dancer, and in general i just enjoy myself and like to have fun. but i'm also a person who enjoys thinking about the technical/abstract/conceptual side of things. so what are are some good 'principles' or 'theories' to keep in mind when you're on the dance floor? what are some things you find useful/effective, especially when it comes to the other sex?