8:30

W: Why are you rushing around like a chicken with its head cut off?
M: I’ve been invited to one of my American friends’ house tonight.
W: So why are you in such a hurry?
M: I was told the party starts at eight.
W: Relax. Relax. In America if someone tells you a party starts at eight, you’d better arrive at 8:30.
M: You are joking! How come?
W: I don’t know. It’s just the custom here.
M: I’ve never been to a party in America before. Can you give me some idea what it’s like?
W: Well, there’s almost always beer and generally some small snacks to eat and sometimes a late-evening buffet is served at 12:00.
M: And what do people do at parties?
W: Sometimes they just sit or stand around in groups and talk, but often parties involve music and the best activity is dancing.
M: I can’t dance.
W: You don’t have to dance if you don’t want to, but you should try it a few times. Maybe you’ll like it.
M: If I stand around and talk to others all night, I’ll never get to this party.
W: OK. Have a good time.
M: Thanks.