Terminology of "SH Social Gatherings"

3 Jul 2006

Quote by Darkfire
and a 'function' in a private venue with private facilities with many people dressed to a 'theme' or provocative & sexy and snogging each other hello is a Social ?

3 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
The rules regarding Munches and socials have remained the same throughout the site's lifetime.... Why will they be tightened??

Groan :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Quote by SMids
If there were non SH members and NO PLAY then it would be a social....

and banned members ???
Hence my comment about tightening of rules.
SH is philanthropic rolleyes

3 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
Am I seriously the only person to see how simple it really is??

I now see the light

3 Jul 2006

Quote by Sharif
Thats how i would read it because the "fuckfest" is afterwards and not during the meet.

but, my point is there may be people there who are new, who havent experienced a social before, who hear us lot banging on about socials being no play relaxed environments with no pressure etc - who then turn up expecting exactly that - and then find (especially if its advertised seperately/ privately) that its actually a pre-empt for a fuck fest? me, i'd be mortified, especially if I'd recommended someone who's finding their feet, to attend - like we do on a daily basis here.
and my second point - just how 'just social' is the other attendee's mindset at such a 'function'? Its a recipe for disaster imho. We see it on the forum and chatroom everyday - 'oh she's on cam, she's up for a show'.....'oh, she's a swinger on a swingers site, so she must be up for a shag' mentality. I really dont see how people (and it only takes 1) at a social, real life face to face who are there for drinks before the fuckfest are any different. dunno

3 Jul 2006

Quote by Darkfire
but, my point is there may be people there who are new, who havent experienced a social before, who hear us lot banging on about socials being no play relaxed environments with no pressure etc - who then turn up expecting exactly that - and then find (especially if its advertised seperately/ privately) that its actually a pre-empt for a fuck fest? me, i'd be mortified, especially if I'd recommended someone who's finding their feet, to attend - like we do on a daily basis here.

If it's a pre-party social then it would be advertised as such.... I have yet to see a pre meet up drinks thread not explain what it's a pre meet social for....

and my second point - just how 'just social' is the other attendee's mindset at such a 'function'? Its a recipe for disaster imho. We see it on the forum and chatroom everyday - 'oh she's on cam, she's up for a show'.....'oh, she's a swinger on a swingers site, so she must be up for a shag' mentality. I really dont see how people (and it only takes 1) at a social, real life face to face who are there for drinks before the fuckfest are any different.

4 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
It's easy really......
Munch - Large number of people requiring a hired venue, open to all site members NO PLAY
Social - Smaller numbers where a pub is adequate, non members (but not banned members) allowed, also includes the ability to say no to anyone they dont want to come NO PLAY
Parties - Fuckfest??
See dead simple :smug:

I agree entirely that it usedto be almost that simple, and that it shouldbe that simple.
But I don't think it is any longer.
And, as daft as it might seem; your post alone Shireen, as a site rule/guideline/opinion sticky somewhere, would go nine tenths of the distance to satisfying my angst on the whole subject.

4 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids

and my second point - just how 'just social' is the other attendee's mindset at such a 'function'? Its a recipe for disaster imho. We see it on the forum and chatroom everyday - 'oh she's on cam, she's up for a show'.....'oh, she's a swinger on a swingers site, so she must be up for a shag' mentality. I really dont see how people (and it only takes 1) at a social, real life face to face who are there for drinks before the fuckfest are any different.

It's always been like that though Darkfire... There will always be people that put their name down thinking it's going to be a free for all and end up either very disappointed or thrown out..... On any Munch or social thread it is always explained that it is a no play environment.... This doesn't mean that there wont be those that try it on because there will be.... Those people are always dealt with swifty providing it is bought to the attention of the organiser....
Although no one should EVER be made to feel pressurised or uncomfortable, I do think it is a little niave to expect to get no attention of a sexual nature AT ALL. All you have to do is say politely but firmly "No thank you, I'm just here to socialise" if the point is pushed then you report them to the site. Any one attending knows this and therefore knows that they are risking their membership by misbehaving. On the other hand, if you are attending a social, even if it is in a private function room, you still have to pass through the crowds of city centre, weekend revellers, who will undoubtedly make lewd comments and cop a feel as you are walking past. If it is a social taking place within a Vanilla venue (pub crawl etc) then you will get groped umpteen times between walking from your group to the bar and back by the Vanillas. The Vanillas can't be policed but the SH members can.
Les x

4 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
which category does 'social' that's actually a pre-party meet fall into then?

It's a social

and what should a newbie expect on arrival? :dunno:

To be greeted by their host who will then introduce them to another person who hopefully then introduce them to another... Unless you are like me and just wade in shouting "who's turn is it to buy the beer" wink

If it's a Munch or a social then they will experience people all chatting and drinking just like they do down the pub or at a vanilla birthday party....

Yes, they could probably 'expect' that - they may end up in the middle of something uncomfortably different, which does not match their expectations - but they could have expected that.

4 Jul 2006

Sorry, I'm still not buying it. lol

I know in my mind what I feel is a 'Social' (for example - Mal's birthday drinkies) and what isnt (drinks in a pub before a fuckfest)
maybe that's because I usually know the organiser and know how 'things are usually done' ?
I also know when, depending on who posts it, 'after-party' means a social continuation of drinking, general chat and laughs back at someones house, and when 'after-party' means going back to someones house to play. I know who has designated 'play' rooms for those who want to, and who's house rules stipulate no play at all. So if a particular person is organising an after-party, I know what to expect, even if it just says 'after-party. Ya know?
In the same breath, I also know who organises 'socials' and runs ads at the same time advertising for people to come along 'for the action', I know who organises their list so there's significantly more single males than couples/ single fems, and in my mind, that speaks volumes as to wether a particular fuction is 'purely social' or not, and what the atmosphere will be.
Maybe I am naive Les, but if i put my name down for a "Social", I expect everyone else there to understand what 'social' means too. I do not expect to have someones hand on my ass or people expecting a snog hello. I expect to be able to turn up and it not feel like a cattle market, and to not have to need to say 'no thanks I'm just here to socialise'.
i havent been to a Social or Munch yet where I've experienced it, but i do have concerns about some of the more recent stuff that's been in LMU. And while we're recommening newbies to 'get themselves known and get to a social' I think we need to bear it in mind. dunno

4 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
and a 'function' in a private venue with private facilities with many people dressed to a 'theme' or provocative & sexy and snogging each other hello is a Social ?

Missed this one before...... If this is a NO PLAY function then it could be considered a Munch providing all were members of SH... If there were non SH members and NO PLAY then it would be a social.... If it was a function where there was going to be playing involved then it would be a party....
Am I seriously the only person to see how simple it really is?? :dunno:
I am going to attempt to get back to the point of the thread.
Shireen yes - it really shouldbe that simple
The problem is that wemay know the difference, but some of the people organisingthe events don't.
If a private party is being organised, but everyone is meeting in a pub for a drink before going to the house then this is a "Private Party". The fact that you are meeting for a quick drink first is not different to that of other private meets.
What Darkfire is trying to say is that the confusion occurs when these events are mis labelled as "Socials"

4 Jul 2006

Quote by Darkfire
And while we're recommening newbies to 'get themselves known and get to a social' I think we need to bear it in mind.

Oh that is such a good point.
The good ol' advice "get yourself known....."
The problem is..... this advice worked before the beast was sporn (sorry - I meant the changes in the way the chatroom works). Whilst the Op's do their best, the chatroom part of this site is now so vast an expanse it is impossible to apply the level of control there once was in the old-style chat.
Unfortunately I am beginning to believe that you can post as many stickies as you like (explaining 'munches', 'socials' and whatever else you wish to define) but those definitions are becoming ever closer to being nostalgia. Just as words in the dictionary change there meaning over time through changes in common use - the terminology and expectations for gatherings are changing and being changed by those who are choosing how to use them now.

4 Jul 2006

Quote by Darkfire
Maybe I am naive Les, but if i put my name down for a "Social", I expect everyone else there to understand what 'social' means too. I do not expect to have someones hand on my ass or people expecting a snog hello. I expect to be able to turn up and it not feel like a cattle market, and to not have to need to say 'no thanks I'm just here to socialise'.
i havent been to a Social or Munch yet where I've experienced it, but i do have concerns about some of the more recent stuff that's been in LMU. And while we're recommening newbies to 'get themselves known and get to a social' I think we need to bear it in mind.

I can half and half see the points raised.
If the intention of the social is an initial prelude to play (i.e. a large group meet with the hope that people will click and take it on a step to play) then it should be made clear in the initial post. I, like others have said, would be mightely p'd off if I'd travelled any sort of distance for a chat, a drink and a laugh, then realised that people would be disappearing back to hotels etc after a couple of drinks.
As for the "expected snogs hello" and "hand on ass" I think that comes down to peoples own excepted personal social barriers. I have plenty of Vanilla friends who I will snog hello and goodbye and think nothing of them standing at the bar with their hand on my bum. However there are some people I am comfortable with them doing this and others I am not. Occasionaly someone may try it who I'm not comfortable with and I have to tell them, they are usually embarrased by it, but don't do it again. In MOST cases is more about being poor at reading body language.
For some people no pysical contact is acceptable, others a handshake, others a hug, others a peck on the cheek and others a snog. This is in this scene as well as the Vanilla world. The key is, is to appreciate that and be aware of it.
I am in total agreement that NO-ONE should EXPECT anything. I would also hate to feel like I was in the middle of a cattle market (I could go to any trendy nightclub in Newcastle if I wanted that rolleyes

). There is a world of difference between accidently offending someone by being too tactile and being a lech. I wouldn't expect to be leched at on a social (except by Vanillas I pass :roll: ), but I accept that someone may be overly tactile.
Les x

5 Jul 2006

I know I am being really pedantic now, but just as a little example (and I have plenty more of these, I've also been guilty of it myself)

The XXXXX social
Note: This social already advertised at another location.... (therefore its a social)
To be held in a pub close to central Bristol ...We will have use of a private function room which cannot be seen from the public areas but must use the bar in the main pub for drinks. Toilets are also shared with the main bar but are directly outside of the function room so you do not have to cross the public area. Please use your common sense to dress appropriately for the venue. (its a social)
Although this is classed as social we intend to make this as much of a mini Munch atmosphere as possible. (and here's where the problem starts)

hi XXXX would love to attend the mini munch

see what I mean ? dunno

5 Jul 2006

Darkfire, I've pulled up my own social because I'm beginning to think this discussion isn't actually achieving anything

Quote by Dawn_Mids
Burton on Trent Social Evening Saturday 15th April 2006
This is a social with munch style rules.

Part of my invite/final pm contain these comments
It starts at although I aim to be there by 7 pm (bad hair day permitting) and we will just be in a small part of a public area so please be aware that this is a social event and can you ensure that your behaviour on the night is appropriate behaviour for munches. The definition of a munch is given here:
http://www.swingingheaven.co.uk/terminology/munch.html
I don't feel there is any confusion there at all confused

I did speak to a number of newbie members before the event but none of them misunderstood what this event was.
How else could I explain the type of behaviour I as an organiser, was expecting from the members?
I believe it is important to know if you are going to a munch/social/party but I don't feel that anything should change from the way things are dealt with now. You will always get the ones that don't read the post properly, exactly like people replying to ads when they are not needed.
Besides, if I'm unsure what I'm putting my name down for, I'd ask dunno

5 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
It's easy really......
Munch - Large number of people requiring a hired venue, open to all site members NO PLAY
Social - Smaller numbers where a pub is adequate, non members (but not banned members) allowed, also includes the ability to say no to anyone they dont want to come NO PLAY
Parties - Fuckfest??
See dead simple :smug:

As far as I see things, Shireen hit the nail on the head in a simple way :thumbup:

5 Jul 2006

Quote by Dawn_Mids
Darkfire, I've pulled up my own social because I'm beginning to think this discussion isn't actually achieving anything

5 Jul 2006

Quote by Steve_Mids
Darkfire, I've pulled up my own social because I'm beginning to think this discussion isn't actually achieving anything

it's not intended to achieve anything other than to highlight a few issues - not in my mind anyway, but I do think its worthy of discussion. Imo (and I think the whole point of this thread) is that it should be very clear in the first post of a thread what it is that people are putting their names down for - the one I used was not a great example - but does show how one newbie has instantly picked up the wrong terminology - in my mind there's a difference bewteen a 'social' and a mini munch - as there is between a social and pre fuckfest drinkies in a pub. Obviously others dont see that difference dunno

I personally have a problem with something that's billed as a 'social' but the organiser has an ad running on the same day, in the ads section welcoming any single blokes, bi guys and TV's to come along to the social. That in my mind is not a social, and shouldnt be billed as such - regardless of wether its (to start with) drinkies in a pub. All people attending should be on a viewable guestlist and not picked from the ads section to come join the action - there should be no 'action' associated with anything that's called a social. And that's where my arguement stems from - so, while it may not achieve anything I still think people attending munches, mini-munches, socials, parties and god knows what else, should simply be aware of what they're getting into - and yes, if you're not sure, ask. But if the correct terminology was used and clarity given in the first posts, we wouldnt even need to, imo.

5 Jul 2006

Quote by Darkfire
in my mind there's a difference bewteen a 'social' and a mini munch

Only difference is the fact that non SH members can go to a social and they cant to a munch/mini munch

as there is between a social and pre fuckfest drinkies in a pub.

Social is no play pre fuckfest drinkies is still a social in my opinion as there would be no play again dunno

I personally have a problem with something that's billed as a 'social' but the organiser has an ad running on the same day, in the ads section welcoming any single blokes, bi guys and TV's to come along to the social.

I have never seen that and the organiser should have a serious slap for doing it... That is not acceptable at all

But if the correct terminology was used and clarity given in the first posts, we wouldnt even need to, imo.

I haven't honestly seen a thread where is wasn't clearly set out from the beginning what the munch/social/party was all about.... :dunno:

5 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
in my mind there's a difference bewteen a 'social' and a mini munch... ...as there is between a social and pre fuckfest drinkies in a pub.

Social is no play pre fuckfest drinkies is still a social in my opinion as there would be no play again dunno

Oh come on - there is a huge difference and you cannot say they are both 'socials'.
The biggest diference being 'expectations'.
People go to a 'social' and should be able to expect it to be a purely social thing - no expectations of sex on the night - but may be the hope of getting connections for the future.
People go to a pre-fuckathon drink and there will be people there with the expectation of getting a shag. You may as well have 'gagging for it' printed on your T-shirt because there will be people there who presume you are just having a drink before you get fucked-silly. Do you really think it is the same atmosphere when some people assume you are 'up for it' (because of the nature of the event)? Do you really think the behaviour of some less experienced people and some of the non-members (who tag along) could not or would not be effected by the perception that all these people (especially the women) came here tonight becuse they want a orgy?

5 Jul 2006

Shireen/Dawn
The examples you give are ones from socials organised by yourselves and obviously you know the difference between a social and a fuckfest.
Here's the first 2 posts from another "Social" organised in Let's Meet Up:

hiya peeps, we're having our 4th social meet 29th april at 8pm, please mail for venue or catch us online for an invite, please though only apply if your local to the area. singles / couples made very if you can't make it that night please don't fill our mailbox with questions etc, and we have a strict policy if you say your going to cum and don't you won't get another oppurtunity.

As a single guy,I have been to the previous 3 socials,and can vouch that *** and *** are the top gals in have a few beers,a great laugh, and maybe some naughtiness to end the night,should we get an inside are often in the chatroom,and from that you can all see how friendly we are,and horny to would like to say more couples though,pref with a bi-fem cus our gals do get a bit this is your first time at swinging,drop the gals a line,we will all put on the 29th

5 Jul 2006

Quote by Darkfire
And that's where my arguement stems from - so, while it may not achieve anything I still think people attending munches, mini-munches, socials, parties and god knows what else, should simply be aware of what they're getting into - and yes, if you're not sure, ask. But if the correct terminology was used and clarity given in the first posts, we wouldnt even need to, imo.

I feel that most postings are set out clearly confused

It can be the reader that puts whatever slant they like onto the thread because they want to read it in a way that suits themselves. There is no way round that rolleyes

5 Jul 2006

Quote by HornyLittleBlonde
Shireen/Dawn
The examples you give are ones from socials organised by yourselves and obviously you know the difference between a social and a fuckfest.
Here's the first 2 posts from another "Social" organised in Let's Meet Up:
hiya peeps, we're having our 4th social meet 29th april at 8pm, please mail for venue or catch us online for an invite, please though only apply if your local to the area. singles / couples made very if you can't make it that night please don't fill our mailbox with questions etc, and we have a strict policy if you say your going to cum and don't you won't get another oppurtunity.

As a single guy,I have been to the previous 3 socials,and can vouch that *** and *** are the top gals in have a few beers,a great laugh, and maybe some naughtiness to end the night,should we get an inside are often in the chatroom,and from that you can all see how friendly we are,and horny to would like to say more couples though,pref with a bi-fem cus our gals do get a bit this is your first time at swinging,drop the gals a line,we will all put on the 29th

Now that does not sound like a 'social' to me confused

NIce one HLB.

5 Jul 2006

I know I might get shouted down, but I've been round the block a time or 2.
But might it be an idea to have a standard type template relating to social meets etc that people who are arranging events can follow, alter as required and fill in the gaps to help them??
(similar to Sgt's hol form)

5 Jul 2006

Quote by PoloLady
The biggest diference being 'expectations'.

I completely agree.... But, if it's all clearly set out why should people go expecting one thing and finding it's another?? dunno

People go to a 'social' and should be able to expect it to be a purely social thing - no expectations of sex on the night - but may be the hope of getting connections for the future.

Absolutely smile

People go to a pre-fuckathon drink and there will be people there with the expectation of getting a shag. You may as well have 'gagging for it' printed on your T-shirt because there will be people there who presume you are just having a drink before you get fucked-silly. Do you really think it is the same atmosphere when some people assume you are 'up for it' (because of the nature of the event)? Do you really think the behaviour of some less experienced people and some of the non-members (who tag along) could not or would not be effected by the perception that all these people (especially the women) came here tonight becuse they want a orgy?

Is it really that difficult for people to actually behave appropriately considering the surroundings?? If it's a pre-fuckfest (god I am so going to regret using that word :lol2: ) drinks then it would more than likely be in a public place... If people are unable to behave in an appropriate manner then they have no place in this lifestyle. I would be more than happy to go along to a pre-fuckfest drinks and assume that it was just drinks with friends with no expectations. If I went along to the fuckfest itself then my expectations would obviously be different...
Perhaps I am being idealistic here, but I truely cant believe that people cannot go along an behave appropriately :dunno:
Oh and just as a little subnote.... I have pointed out to someone I have been discussing this with in PM, that more often than not the people that actually overstep the mark so to speak are not newbies but actually people that have been members for quite some time and should have known better.... Food for thought wink

5 Jul 2006

Quote by Shireen_Mids
I would be more than happy to go along to a pre-fuckfest drinks and assume that it was just drinks with friends with no expectations.

And so would I - but to use HLB's examples of a 'social' ad......

Quote by HornyLittleBlonde
Here's the first 2 posts from another "Social" organised in Let's Meet Up:
hiya peeps, we're having our 4th social meet 29th april at 8pm, please mail for venue or catch us online for an invite, please though only apply if your local to the area. singles / couples made very if you can't make it that night please don't fill our mailbox with questions etc, and we have a strict policy if you say your going to cum and don't you won't get another oppurtunity.

As a single guy,I have been to the previous 3 socials,and can vouch that *** and *** are the top gals in have a few beers,a great laugh, and maybe some naughtiness to end the night,should we get an inside are often in the chatroom,and from that you can all see how friendly we are,and horny to would like to say more couples though,pref with a bi-fem cus our gals do get a bit this is your first time at swinging,drop the gals a line,we will all put on the 29th

Do you really think that everyone reading something like this has a clear 'social' expectation?
There are those of us who have been there and done that - and now have the president to work to - we know what a 'social' shouldbe. Not everyone has that president and pick up the mixed messages - some messages implying it is a safe bet to 'cop-off'. If it is a 'social' then it should be a 'social'. If it is a drink to loosen you up before the 'action' starts then calling it a 'social' is... well... quite frankly bollox. It leaves wide open the possibility for someone (particularly single females - though not exclusively) to find themselves in a very awkward/uncomfortable situation.

5 Jul 2006

Anyone fancy a shag? biggrin

5 Jul 2006

There seems to be a confusion of the issue in this thread and some of the examples being given are based on what happened previously instead of what's happening now.
We've also seen examples of how people organise or ask questions about functions from people who clearly know the difference, which again (IMO) is not the issue
I'm going to ask that we set aside the Munch/Mini Munch/Social terminology debate and just look at the difference between "Social" and "Party/Meet" using the example I gave earlier

Quote by HornyLittleBlonde
Here's the first 2 posts from another "Social" organised in Let's Meet Up:
hiya peeps, we're having our 4th social meet 29th april at 8pm, please mail for venue or catch us online for an invite, please though only apply if your local to the area. singles / couples made very if you can't make it that night please don't fill our mailbox with questions etc, and we have a strict policy if you say your going to cum and don't you won't get another oppurtunity.

As a single guy,I have been to the previous 3 socials,and can vouch that *** and *** are the top gals in have a few beers,a great laugh, and maybe some naughtiness to end the night,should we get an inside are often in the chatroom,and from that you can all see how friendly we are,and horny to would like to say more couples though,pref with a bi-fem cus our gals do get a bit this is your first time at swinging,drop the gals a line,we will all put on the 29th

So
1. Should this be advertised as:
A Social
A party
Social drinkies followed by a house party
2 separate threads for a social drinkies and a private house party
Other suggestions
2. Does it matter what this example is advertised as?
Discuss biggrin

5 Jul 2006

Simple :smug: - thats a 'dont touch with a feckin bargepole'
rotflmao

5 Jul 2006

I think this is becoming something like a dog chasseing its tail; we could be here a very very long time. Munchâ€™s and gatherings of what ever sort are not exclusive to SH or the swinging websiteâ€™s it happens all on most web based communities. Different sites might have different code of conducts. But no one can guarantee their members will read or follow the code of conduct (although on the main most do) they can be banned once the code of conduct has been breached but by then the deed has been done.
You can define muchâ€™s/socials till your blue in the face but if people choose not to read or havenâ€™t read the definitions what can you do.
Possible solution might be to have sight approved munch/social organiserâ€™s. So if youâ€™re not on the approved list you canâ€™t organise one on this site. If you want to be on the approved list you will have to go through some sort of test smile

(we cold name it the Darkfire trialâ€™s lol

) or go through some sort of munch organiser apprentice scheme where you are guided by an approved and experienced munch organiser. These approved organisers can also form some sort of Gild Of Organisers. So if you need to organise something on the fly you can call on the services of G.O.O, to hold your hand or organise something for you.
Yes there might be potential problems with the idea, but life isnâ€™t always simple and itâ€™s just a suggestions. By the community for the community.
If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can call upon the services ofâ€¦...G.O.O or am I thinking of the A team :)
P.S you people are making my wrists hurt Iâ€™m a chatter not used to all this typing :)

5 Jul 2006

Quote by HornyLittleBlonde
1. Should this be advertised as:
A Social
A party
2 separate threads for a social drinkies and a private house party
Other soggestions
2. Does it matter what this example is advertised as?
Discuss

Personally from the second quote, I would get the impression that the intention of that meet is to "socialise" before moving on to "play". No, it doesn't fall into the catagory of the traditional definition of "Social". However, as others have said, it can still be classed as a "Social" by a dictionary definition as, in reality, it is a group of people "socialising" in a public place.
That is not what the traditional SH definition of a "Social" is though. Unfortunatley, just by deceiding on terminology used, doesn't mean the author of the posts will get it right - especially if they don't have experience of the different types of meets/socials.
It can be asked that when someone is organising a social/meet up they describe it as clearly as possible - i.e. is it intending to be a Vanilla night, where the people attending happen to be swingers., or is it a Swinging night, where a group of swingers are checking compatibility in a vanilla venue with the intention of swinging later in the night. Not really being one for popping my head in LMU these days I don't know if this isn't the case already (although I assume it probably is).
I don't know, but imagine, people who have previously used the photo ad section for meets (pre unified log in), but who have now discovered the LMU forum, would expect a "Social" to be like an initial meet to check out compatibilty. Before when they used photo ads alone, they would meet up with one couple/single but because discovering the LMU forum have the ability to meet up with several people "socially" thus increasing the chances of finding compatability. If they have no want of socialising in a Vanilla style with others from the site, and have no experience of the old style "socials/Munches/mini-munches" then there is little suprise that their definition and interpretation of a "social" would be very different to an "Old-time Forum Users" definition and interpretation.
So back to the original question; I think I've talked myself into it being a Party but meeting up in public venue to have a social drink first. Not a Social which may possibly (but probably won't) lead to play as a side issue, by a small minority of the attendees.
I think I may have went off on another tangent confused

Les x

Does it matter ?