What is the difference between a "house party" and a party at someone's house?

If someone invites me to a party, I assume it's going to be at their house (or apartment). But I keep hearing on the news about "house parties" -- usually because someone got shot at one. Is that the distinction -- if someone gets shot at your party, it was a "house party"? Or am I missing something? 🤔

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bijouxbroussard · F

I attended many house parties in my youth; no one was ever shot or harmed. The main difference seems to be youth, a rather casual guest list (meaning none—folks just showed up) and no particular agenda besides talking, listening to music and dancing. Occasionally snacks were provided, drinks and such.

ThePatientAnarchist · 61-69

@bijouxbroussard thank you. I think that is closest to what I hear about on the radio. Presumably there are a lot of these parties where nobody gets shot!