<P> In the late 1960s, the two girls joined Archie's band, a garage band appropriately named The Archies . Both sang (usually backup), and Betty played tambourine, while Veronica played organ . This implies that Veronica is more musically talented, but that is not necessarily true . Some stories indicate that Betty is the better vocalist . Additionally, there is little consistency in the instruments she is able to play . Betty has played the recorder, tambourine, maracas, guitar, banjo, keyboard, saxophone, cello, and the bongos . </P> <P> Betty is friends with everybody, and is a loving daughter and sister . She likes to help the homeless, read to the senior citizens, and rescue wounded animals and birds . </P> <P> Betty's hobbies include playing sports (particularly baseball), cooking, and looking after animals (she owns a cat, Caramel). She is also concerned with the environment and other social issues and encourages the rest of the gang to clean up after themselves . She loves children and sometimes babysits Jellybean with Jughead as well as other children in Riverdale . Occasionally, families hire Betty to keep their elderly members company . Betty is a skilled mechanic who frequently helps Archie with his broken down car Betsy . Betty is also good at skiing and car - racing . She is often said to be the best pitcher in the girls' baseball team . Betty is a scuba diver, wearing a red shorty wetsuit, breathing with an air tank she carries on her back and a regulator in her mouth, wears red fins on her feet and a mask on her face, but she prefers to swim underwater . </P> <P> Contrary to the "dumb blonde" - stereotype, Betty actually has an above - average intelligence and is one of the smartest students at Riverdale High School, along with Dilton Doiley . In one story she won an award and was sent to compete in New York and has won numerous academic awards . At one point, she gained ESP when an encyclopedia accidentally fell on her head . This ability took away all hope for the future; Archie asked Veronica for a date, but Betty knew that Archie would dump Veronica for her . Betty lost her ESP power when a ball that Reggie kicked accidentally hit her; in her gratefulness, she gave him a thankful kiss . </P>

Who did betty date in the archie comics