Just regular push button. He dialed the number and then just stared at the phone waiting for it to do something. Hand set was still in the cradle.

Use either the same way by just using the button/cradle for the handset.

Honestly makes me wonder if kids have trouble reading gauges in their cars

That's an older one tho, most places had already transitioned to mainly digital when I was in school many many moons ago, I can read an analog clock but it takes a minute to think about it, whereas I'd assume being more ingrained you'd be much quicker at telling the time.