Parties and Their Function in Society

For many years, parties have been an important social function. When 25 people or more gather at a specific location with the intent of having fun and engaging in conversation, as well as partaking of good food, it can be considered a party. Parties usually have different drinks and food options, and music is a large part of the event, very often.

There are many different types of parties; birthday parties, sporting event parties, and nightly socialization parties are all among them. Birthday parties are held in honor of an individual who is having a birthday, and presents and gifts are usually brought by attendees. The song "Happy Birthday to You" is very often sung by partygoers for the person who is having a birthday.

Birthday parties vary in type. Adults may have birthday parties in restaurants or nightclubs, while children usually have parties at home or at funhouses. Sometimes children may have parties at water parks or amusement parks, as well.

Birthday parties may also happen in the manner of a surprise party, where the person having the party is not told about the birthday preparations. Surprise parties include guests hiding in a location where the party is to take place, then shouting "surprise!" when the guest of honor enters.

Sporting event parties usually take place around a specific sports happening, such as the Super Bowl, the World Cup, or the World Series. People gather and eat, drink, and laugh as they talk about the happenings of the games within that sporting event. These types of parties are very lively and usually loud because of the enthusiasm and loyalty partygoers feel towards their specific teams.

Nightly socialization parties include house parties and dance parties. Sometimes these are held by teenagers and young adults of college age in a set location; frat houses or private houses are often the location of choice. Disc jockeys and people who manage the music are hired to provide musical entertainment. Usually alcohol is involved, resulting in trouble for the attendants of the party.

Other types of nightly parties such as dance parties include energetic music like techno, trance, and disco. People gather at these parties to dance, drink, and have a good time. Usually people at these parties will be of younger ages between 18-28.

Marriages also have a number of parties associated with them; there are even divorce parties to celebrate the breakup of a couple. Bachelor and bachelorette parties take place the night before a wedding as a celebration of bride and groom's final nights of freedom. Wedding receptions are also parties that happen directly after the wedding itself, where guests are invited to partake in food, drink, dancing, and celebration of the newlyweds.

Dinner parties are also popular within many countries. A family will host a party with an elegant meal where guests will bring wine and sometimes desserts. Then, the partygoers converse, eat, and socialize in a relaxed manner. Dinner parties are less formal and usually for close friends under a more intimate setting.