The Difference Between Parties: Social Gatherings, Special Occasions and Get Togethers

The term party is used pretty loosely by just about everyone. It can range from large events to small hangouts. They can be grand and over-the-top, low-key and casual or somewhere in between. Sometimes, a party is just a mind set or personality trait. We use expressions like “let’s get this party started” or “the life of the party” or “party animal” or “party poopers” and my personal favorite when I’m feeling blue, the “pity party”. And just like that, the concept of a party extends far beyond a social function.

Basically, a party can be just about anything you want it to be, big or small, relevant or not at all to an actual party. In my mind, it is easier to distinguish between these gatherings by using three party terms. See how and why I categorize parties based on size, purpose, and their level of formality.

First Things First…

What actually is a party? Simply put, a party is:

A group of people gathered for a special purpose or task that typically includes the presence of food, drinks, entertainment, and socialization.

Throughout my blog, you may notice that I refer to specific party types. To further promote an understanding of these terms and why I like to use them, let’s dive into the main differences between these party types.

Social Gatherings:

Here’s the deets on hosting casual social gatherings:

• They are more casual than your special occasion parties are
• The sole purpose of this gathering is to promote companionship or fellowship
• Social gatherings can include invited and non-invited guests but there is usually no formal “invite” list to begin with. It’s a “feel free to bring a friend along” type of gathering. Although, this is not always the case.
• It typically includes less people than a large special occasion party, ranging from 4-50 participants.

Special OccasionS:

What exactly constitutes a special occasion, you ask?

• A special occasion = time to celebrate!
• Special occasions call together a group of people who are formally invited by a host
• This type of gathering revolves around a special purpose or task. (i.e. it revolves around someone or something)
• It can include 10+ guests and even hundreds of guests, depending on what the cause for celebration is. (i.e. – Birthday, Graduation, Engagement, Bridal Shower, Anniversary)

Get Togethers:

Get togethers are the most casual of the three party types. They happen more frequently and are the most low-maintenance.

• This type of gathering is the smallest and most intimate
• Just like a social gathering, its only purpose is to bring people together to socialize
• The attendees are usually close friends and family, not so much people you only see on occasion.
• It only takes two participants
• Around 15 guests is where it caps
• Examples include: Happy hours with your friends, game nights, bonfires, dinner outings, movie nights with friends, and more.

All in all, a party is a party! There is no right or wrong way to define it. The only requirement of all party types is to just have fun! Whether you’re hosting or attending, a party let’s you make some good memories with some (hopefully) amazing people.

Why These Party Types Are Useful:

You might be wondering why it matters to differentiate between parties. In my mind, it’s easier to plan for a party when I know what type of party I’m hosting. To evaluate the type of party, I look at size, the type of occasion, and how formal it will be.

In fact, it’s the first thing I think about before hosting. I ask myself, “is this a social gathering, special occasion, or a get together?” Knowing this always helps me begin planning accordingly.

Do you think there’s a difference between party types? How do you like to distinguish parties from one another? Let me know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, give it a share!