House parties vs nightclubs

In this article I will go over many of the differences between going to a nightclub and going to a house party.

Drinks

Drinks are cheaper at house parties but a nightclub may have more variety. The lack of variety may not be a problem if you stick to a particular drink.

If someone breaks a glass at a nightclub it's cleaned up by a staff member. Nobody at the party has to replace the glass.

I love it when people bring out random spirits at house parties at share them. If you're an average guy you usually can't get random shots in nightclubs.

Damage to property

If you host a house party you risk damage to your property. People can knock things over when they're drunk and this can cost the host money. If you're really unlucky some people could also take things.

Music

Your neighbors may have a problem if you have music up too loud. This isn't a problem at a club.

Your friends may not like the club music. I have taken people to clubs and they complained about the music.

The club's music may not sync to your tastes. For example if you're in a small town and are into Trance music the local clubs may not play that music. Many clubs play the same songs every week.

At a house party you have more control. As the host you can play anything. If you're a guest the host may also let you have control over the music if you ask.

It can also be hard to hear people in a nightclub. With a house party you can adjust the volume so people can hear each other.

Dancing

Some of us just like dancing around good looking people; clubs may be best for this. If you're older and like people your own age you may prefer a house party or a regular bar.

People

The clubs may have lots of people.

In my experience some people are attractive but some can be annoying.

People in clubs are usually young which can make you feel old if you're in your 40s.

If your circle of friends is small you may prefer to meet new people at the club.

Some people may feel safer with friends at a house party. Nightclubs may have questionable characters.

It could be awkward at a house party if you don't know many people there.

My brother would enjoy seeing if people were getting into fights on the street so he liked to go clubbing with me.

You don't know who you're going to run into out on the town. It can be nice to suddenly see friends while you're out.

Queues

At nightclubs you could queue to get in and to get drinks at the bar. If you're at a busy bar you could even queue to go to the toilet. You normally don't encounter queues at house parties.

Smoking

If you like to smoke you'd probably prefer house parties with hosts who let you smoke indoors. Many nightclubs need to abide by regulations that require people to smoke in certain areas.

On the other hand if you don't like people smoking around you then you may prefer partying in a nightclub.

Dress code

Nightclub may have a strict dress code; some nightclubs won't let you in if you wear the wrong thing. Unless the house party has a theme you can show up in practically anything.

You can set your own dress code if you host your own party. You can get people to come in costumes or even togas.

Set up time

If you're going to a regular house party you might spend less time getting dressed up than preparing to go to a nightclub. However if you are hosting a house party you would usually spend more time preparing and cleaning up afterwards.

Time for a party to get started

Some house parties can be alive earlier than nightclubs. Depending where you are in the world nightclubs can be dead before 1AM.

Time restrictions

If you're hosting a house party and don't bother your neighbors you can end your party whenever you want.

Most clubs have a set end time, but many house parties have one too.

Activities

The host can decide what activities people do at a house party. You can't randomly watch a movie or play certain games at a nightclub.

Some nightclubs have pool tables so if you like playing pool a nightclub may suit you. A nightclub may be more likely to have live entertainment.

You may like nightclubs if you just like to dance and not want to do anything else.

Food

Some people may like home food but others crave KFC when they're drunk!

If you or your friends like to cook then a house party might be great.

You can always get food delivered if you have a house party.

Going home

It's usually easier to arrange a sober driver at a house party. People who live near each other can car pool. Staying over can also be an option if you know the host well.

You can get a taxi or Uber at a nightclub but this could also be cheaper if you attend a nearby house party.

Fights

Unless the host of the house party invites people who don't get along fights would be more likely to break out in a nightclub.

Feeling comfortable

If you concerned with what you look like you may be more comfortable with a house party than a nightclub that has a crowd of random people.

Safety

You may feel safer at a house party with people who you know rather than at a nightclub full of strangers.

Accessibility

People with epilepsy may not cope with the strobe lights at a nightclub. If you don't like crowds a trip to a nightclub may not be for you. A minority of nightclubs won't let people in wheelchairs in if it's busy.

Both houses and nightclubs may not be accessible for wheelchairs. You may want to ask about access before you go.

Thanks for reading

I prefer clubbing but both have advantages. Many people prefer house parties over clubbing due to the lower costs and fewer strangers.