Introduce yourself by saying, “Hi, my name is Jill. How’s it going?” Just be yourself and people will respond positively. If you are not close with someone, but you’ve chatted before, this is a good person to talk to. Try not to interrupt anyone who’s engaged in a conversation. If none of your friends have arrived, try to play it cool by not seeming too desperate for conversation or attention. One way teens cope with this awkwardness is by smoking, but you should skip smoking. It’s bad for your health, and you could start a bad habit that could last for years. Instead, check your cell phone for articles to read.

Start simply by introducing yourself and tell this person how you recognize them. Then you can move into a discussion on the mutual topic that connects you. [1] X Research source You can spice up the conversation by asking questions about their past. You can ask questions like: “Have you ever lived somewhere else?,” or “What did you do last weekend?” If you don’t know the person super well, try asking about how they know the party’s host. [2] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 21 September 2021. Don’t forget to say hi to the party host, too! You could comment on something you noticed around their house, or even bring a gift as a nice gesture. [3] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 21 September 2021.

Follow your friend group, but don’t feel inclined to follow them throughout the entire night. A fun thing to do at house parties is to venture off alone.

Socializing doesn’t come easily for everyone and that is fine. Making goals can sometimes improve your ability to socialize. One way of getting somebody’s phone number is by asking them if they’d like to hang out a different time. You could say, “Hey, do you want to go to the Cubs game with me?”

Be aware that if you bring an outgoing friend, they may want to be more social than you want to be. On the other hand, if you opt for someone who’s less outgoing than you are, you may be tempted to hide out in a corner together and not socialize with other people.

Dance floors are sometimes a good way to meet people. You can always compliment someone on their dance moves. Let the music take over and don’t fight the temptation. You will have an easier time dancing by feeling the rhythm and moving to the beat.

If you’re underage, be sure to skip the drinking. It’s easy for underage drinkers to drink too much, landing you in the hospital or worse. You could also get into serious legal trouble. It is easy for people to over-drink at house parties due to social anxiety. Be aware of this phenomenon, and drink with caution and at a slow pace. Drink plenty of water between consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol dehydrates the body, so you’ll need to keep your water levels high while drinking alcohol. Don’t drink with the goal of feeling social and outgoing. You could potentially become very intoxicated.

Don’t feel embarrassed for trying to start a game. There will be at least one or two other people who think you have a good idea.

Try to convince your parents to let you go to the party for a couple of hours. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You could tell them things that would put their fears at ease, such as letting them know responsible adults will be there or that you will take a friend and promise to watch out for each other. You should also promise to not engage in any illegal activities, such as underage drinking.

If you know people who are planning to get dressed up for the party, coordinate with them so that you all match. Matching with your friends at a party is a good way for people to notice and talk to you. [7] X Research source

Your actions might even inspire others to clean up after themselves as well.

You could let the drunk person’s friends know this person is in need. Careful not to overstep your boundaries when getting involved with extremely intoxicated people. Some people can handle themselves more than you’d think. If you see any abuse or signs of date rape, talk to the owners of the house and take action. Get a group together to intervene. In the worst case scenario, you may need to threaten to call the police or actually make that call.