Dude vs Babe? Can we use Babe as opposed to Dude?

Of late I've been observing that the word "Dude" is attaining CULT Status and has really caught on the imagination especially amongst the next gen, but I'm perplexed that the equivalent of Dude ie. Babe (for gals) is not being used so vividly as much as its illustrious counterpart. Ever wondered why? What can be the reasons attributed? Also curious to know whether we can use Babe for girl as opposed to Dude for Boy, so lets get on the Jungle Hunt and investigate.

Lets face it Dude is ruling the roost everywhere whether on Facebook, Twitter, Random conversations, Messenger, WhatsApp and what not.
The way it is being used you slowly begin to feel that people will start forgetting the names of one another. :)[Pardon me for the really poor joke :D]

I must also admit that though initially i thought Dude was "Peter" , I too have slowly but surely fallen prey to the Dude Culture and have started addressing many of my folks as Dude. Even some girls have addressed me as Dude but I've never called any girl as Babe over a normal conversation which I always wonder why ?

Lets check out the Dictionary Meaning
Dude = Fellow (come on lets face it, it's generally addressed to a boy)
Babe = Young Lady
Though the Dictionary doesn't give a true picture at least in the meaning of "slang", Dude/Babe is referred to a boy/girl.

Another thing is equating Dude and Babe with "Da" and "Di" respectively. To be frank Da sounds perfectly cool and normal whether its a guy or girl addressing a guy whereas at least in my opinion Di sounds little cheap and local and I personally do not like mentioning any girl as Di. Is it one of the reasons why we(I) refrain from using Babe? And let me tell you that the girls don't like it one bit when they are referred to as Di by a guy. :)

And is it that only the loved ones need to be referred to as Babe? As like Sugar, Honey, Sweetie Pie, Barbie Doll etc and we don't have the right to call any girl as Babe barring our girlfriend(s). [So what about the guys who don't have one?? No Freedom of Expression also..:)]

So in eventuality whats the reason?? I am still confused as ever.
I suppose the best way to find out is by experimenting with a girl and just hoping that u don't get --------(you can fill according to your own whims and fancies).:)