和朋友聚会。

You usually place it after the subject. For example, 'I am going to 和朋友聚会.' You can also use it to describe your weekend plans. It works as a verb phrase. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just keep it simple and direct. It sounds natural in almost any conversation.

Use this when someone asks about your plans. It is perfect for social media captions. Use it when you want to sound organized. It fits perfectly in a Monday morning chat at the office. It tells people you have a healthy social life. Use it when the gathering involves more than two people.

Don't use it for a romantic date. That would be 约会, and using 聚会 might friend-zone you instantly! Avoid it for strictly professional business meetings. If you are just passing someone in the hall, this is too heavy. It implies staying together for a while. Don't use it if you are solo.

In China, 'gathering' is a massive part of the culture. Food is almost always involved. A 聚会 often centers around a round table. This symbolizes unity and equality among friends. It is less about the activity and more about the 'Renqi' or 'human atmosphere.' People love sharing photos of these moments on WeChat.

You might hear 聚聚 (jù jù) for something more casual. Friends might say 出来坐坐 (chū lái zuò zuò) which means 'come out and sit.' For a big party, you might use 派对 (pàiduì). If it is specifically about eating, 聚餐 (jùcān) is the winner. Each variation adds a slightly different flavor to your social life.