Why is the "party scene" SOOOOO important?

Can you define party? Are you referring to large events, or to smaller intimate gatherings? The range is wide and the opportunities to have “fun” are varied. I don’t really understand the appeal of big keg parties but sitting around with friends who may or may not be imbibing, smoking, whatever, can be nice. One of mine cannot “party” and drink due to a medical condition/Rx but went to plenty of small gatherings where some of the others were drinking, but not to excess, and had a good time, good friends.