I've been invited to a dinner party tomorrow. What time should I arrive for that?
On time, or even a few minutes late, but not early.
Why?
Because the host and Hostess are running around finishing last minute chores.
I never thought of that. But what the dinner get cold if people come several minutes late?
No. Generally it's planned so that when you arrive you get a drink and then chat with people for a while. When all the guests have arrived and finish their drinks, you sit down to dinner or go to the buffet table.
What are they get caught in a traffic jam, or the subways late or something else happens? And I'm going to be really late.
You must call and say you're coming, but you'll be late.
Oh, I see.
By the way, a dinner invitation doesn't call for you to eat and run.
What do you mean?
People do talk to each other during the meal. But after dinner, they also sit around and talk. If the conversation is good, it might go on until 11:00 or 12:00 or even late into the night. I think it's a good opportunity to practice your oral English.