Definition

Noun: A social gathering that lasts for one or more nights, typically held at a large private residence. It implies an extended, often overnight, stay for guests, distinguishing it from a shorter evening party.

Usage

A "house party" is an event where guests are invited to a person's home, usually in a spacious or rural setting, for a prolonged period of socializing that includes sleeping over. It is a specific type of social event.

Examples: * They are hosting a house party at their countryside home this weekend. * The house party lasted three days and had over twenty guests staying over. * Attending a house party often requires bringing a sleeping bag.

Advanced Usage

• "to throw a house party": To organize and host such an event.
  • She decided to throw a house party for her graduation.
• The term can imply a certain scale and informality, often associated with groups of friends or young adults.

Variants and Related Words

• Houseguest (n): A person who is staying at someone's house, often in the context of a house party.
  • We have several houseguests for the weekend.
• Sleepover (n): A party where guests, especially children or teenagers, stay the night. This is similar but often on a smaller scale and without the connotation of a large, multi-day event.

Synonyms

• Weekend party: Emphasizes the event's duration.
• Overnight gathering: A more formal description of the event's key feature.

Related Phrases

• Party house (n): This is a related but distinct compound term referring to a house that is frequently or notoriously used for hosting parties.
  • That rental property became known as the party house on the street.

Noun

1. a party lasting over one or more nights at a large house