What does socializing mean?
Socializing means taking part in social interaction, especially the informal activity of meeting, mixing with, and talking to other people. It is commonly used for parties, receptions, workplace breaks, school gatherings, and any setting in which people build rapport. The word can function as a verb in the present participle, as in they were socializing, and as a noun naming the activity, as in after a little socializing, the group got to work. Its tone is generally neutral and sociable, though the choice between socializing and networking can suggest a difference in purpose: socializing is the broader social act, while networking often implies professional or purposeful connections. The less common causative use of socialize—helping a person or group become integrated into a community—is more precisely called socialization. For general readers, socializing is therefore a useful everyday term for both the activity itself and the social warmth it creates.
To engage in social interaction or informal social activities.
"The guests were socializing by the windows when the speeches began."
Usually transitive only in the less common sense of helping someone become integrated into society.
The activity of interacting informally with other people in a social setting.
"There was plenty of socializing before dinner."
Usually uncountable; a regular plural is uncommon.
Socializing is normally treated as an uncountable activity rather than something counted as separate items.
"Evening socializing helped the volunteers become acquainted."
Socializing has a double life: it can mean joining the party, or helping someone find their place in society.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does socializing come from?
Socializing is the present participle and gerund of socialize, formed from social plus the verb-forming suffix -ize. Social came through French from Latin socialis, meaning of or relating to society or companionship, which is associated with Latin socius, meaning companion or ally. The English verb socialize developed during the 19th century, while related words such as society, sociable, and sociology preserve the same broad association with human companionship and communal life.
Related word forms
How socializing is actually used
The word has a generally neutral, friendly tone and is common in both formal and informal contexts. The given spelling is standard in US English; British English usually writes socialising.
Easily confused with socializing
Socializing usually names the activity of mixing with other people, whereas socialization more often denotes the broader process of learning social norms or becoming integrated into a community.