Some people appear to meet others at these parties, but more often, people come with a group, hang out with the group, and leave with the group. Upperclassmen tell me that parties have changed dramatically in the past few years. Perhaps there is a great deal of truth about the use of alcohol as a social lubricant. Between people looking more attractive through beer goggles, and alcohol giving even the most socially awkward guy the confidence to approach that group of girls dancing, parties are probably a lot more fun with alcohol. As a nondrinker who manages to act drunk even when cold sober, I think it's a shame that people need to use alcohol to have a good time, but perhaps it's the truth.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions, allowing people to be their wild, crazy self.
We ended up not staying at the party for very long. I was rather traumatized by some of what I saw at the frat. Besides, I was feeling kind of out of place. I would think that consuming large amounts of alcohol would be a prerequisite for wearing some of the clothing I saw at the party. I returned to my room, marveling at the intricacies of the frat party scene.