A friend invites me over for dinner at 6 p.m. What time am I expected to arrive?
Americans are much more time-conscious (aware of time) than people from most other cultures. If someone invites you for 6 p.m., he or she expects you to be there at that time or a few minutes early. This is true for any appointment or meeting, whether it is a business meeting or social event. One exception is a casual party or “open house,” in which case guests may arrive at any time after the event starts. If you must be late, call the individual to let him or her know what time you expect to arrive.