A flashlight is needed so we can see in the dark, and read our star chart. Unfortunately, it is too bright, and ruins our night vision, so we make a compromise. Red light is much better than white light, since it affects our night vision the least. It only needs to be light enought to see your chart. Best, of course, is to buy a red LED light for astronomy.
Red light is the only light to use at a star party .
A Star Map is the next important item. A circular star finder, called a Planis phere, will show the stars and constellations for the entire year. You just rotate the circles to match the date and the time, and it will show you the constellations and bright stars that are up. Get the big, plastic ones. They come in different latitudes, so check to see if it's close to where you live.