A survey is made of investigations concerned with the response of flat plates to thermal loadings. The discussion focuses on three major topics: (i) thermally induced bending, (ii) buckling, postbuckling, and large deformation behaviors, and (iii) vibrational characteristics associated with elevated temperatures and rapid heating. Consideration is given both to thin and to moderately thick plates, plates having various planforms and support conditions, and isotropic homogeneous, as well as anisotropic or heterogeneous material behaviors. In addition, references are cited to works dealing with the response of variable thickness plates, plates resting on elastic foundations, inelastic response, and optimal thermoelastic design.