Nightclubs and Lounges–Whats the Difference?
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Nightclubs and Lounges–Whats the Difference?
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With a plethora of entertainment venues attracting people of all ages Monday through Sunday, it becomes difficult to choose which type of venue is right for you. What exactly is the difference between a nightclub and a lounge? Some believe that the type of crowd a venue attracts or admits is a sure sign of whether you can call the spot a nightclub or a lounge; others, however, swear by the venue’s atmosphere. Regardless of popular belief, while differentiating between nightclubs and lounges may not be so clear cut, there are certain signs to look for when making your decision.
Aesthetic of the Venue
One way of telling the difference between nightclubs and lounges is the overall aesthetic of the venue. Nightclubs tend to be larger areas with multiple rooms, each with its own bar and staff in order to host the larger number of people who come there. These venues also have less furniture and seating areas so that there is more room for dancing rather than sitting. However, nightclubs do have VIP areas, which are personal rooms or seating areas that offer comfortable chairs, sofas, and tables for their paying guests. These areas are usually set off to the side so as not to be in the way of the dance floor. Lights are also an important element of the venue’s aesthetic. Nightclubs tend to have more lighting, from strobe lights to laser light shows. The venue is predominantly dark throughout the night, and the lights are displayed along with the music to enhance the nightclub atmosphere.
The aesthetic of lounges is slightly different than that of nightclubs. First, lounges are a bit smaller than nightclubs. They don’t offer as big of a dance floor as its counterpart venue, although there is sometimes a smaller aisle-like space where guests can dance if they wanted to. Lounges also offer more seating, where guests can have drinks, order from a menu, or just lounge with their friends, hence the name. Like nightclubs, lounges also offer VIP areas for their guests; however, these areas are not separated from the rest of the "scene" and are usually integrated with the rest of the venue’s aesthetic. As for lights, lounges do not use the same laser light shows as nightclubs. Instead, they usually have low lighting that is comfortable for their guests and yet creates that lounge-like atmosphere.
Entertainment of the Venue
Apart from aesthetic, the type of entertainment a venue offers can tell you whether it is a nightclub or a lounge. Nightclubs are predominantly places where larger music concerts are held, largely for the space as well as the crowd. Depending on the music, nightclubs may bring popular DJ’s or celebrities to their venue to host a special night or to attract more people. The music is much louder than in lounges, which is why people usually go to dance and listen to music rather than talk and unwind. Nightclubs also employ go-go dancers whose job is to rev up the crowd as well as the atmosphere. Dancers have their own spot where they dance, and are elevated above the actual dance floor on platforms or in cages.
Like nightclubs, lounges play different kind of music throughout the night, but the volume is never as loud as that of a nightclub. Music varies by genre, but it is set so that guests can enjoy it while also enjoying the company and conversation of their friends. If the lounge is big enough and willing, music DJ’s and celebrities will come to the venue and perform. Unlike nightclubs, lounges do not have go-go dancers, perhaps because of the space or because they want to maintain a different, more calmer type of atmosphere.
So What’s the Difference?
Essentially, nightclubs and lounges are entertainment venues that both provide their guests with a certain type of musical entertainment backed up by an atmosphere in which their guests can either relax and unwind, or party through the night. Nevertheless, the major difference boils down to atmosphere. Differentiating between the two can often be difficult, especially because some venues are a blend of club and lounge; however, following these simple signs can help you decide which venue is more comfortable for you and your nightlife preferences.