one group perpetuates the stigma to another group.  people often *think* that no one goes out to X/Y party til 11-12, so then they themselves make it a point not to show up til late.  it's all about that mindstate, because these people, in reality, are just sitting around waiting to go out and/or pregaming.  nothing is actually stopping them other than the mindset that no one else is going to be there.  if we could simultaneously abolish this mindset, everyone would go earlier (10, maybe even 9).

solution to the problem?  put dope headliners on early. :)

for me personally...its all about the pregaming drinks. DOn't like to get drinking too early then be all drunk and tired by midnight. So start the pregame drinking around 9. Go till around 10-11 then head out and hit the floor ya diggggg. Scheduling headliners earlier i don't really think i would enjoy, cause the pregame is muy importante. If a headliner came on at 10 instead of midnight, it would force me to drink earlier and thus the cycle i mentioned about being to drunk and tired by midnight kicks in. maybe this is actually a calling that i should stop drinking? no, whats that beer? are you calling my name, oh you know i'd never leave you, i love you beer. SHE'S MY CRUTCH in this crazy crazy mixed up world that we call here. *sniffle*

i think its 1 part herd mentality as kai describes, 1 part pregaming w/ friends as graph describes, and the last part which imo started all this; the social norm of being 'fashionably late'.

probably came unto existance in upper class circles, rich people wanting to project the idea that they are more important than everyone else at the party and that they have better shit going on so they come late on purpose, other people see the idea and try to copy it and it trickled all the way down into common society. being the first one in line for a party is often seen as that person dosent have anything else going on in life. a dumb assumption.

personally, i try not to show up to an event more than 1hr(2 MAX) after it starts. i'm here to party, and thats what i'm gonna do :)

Got it...Early headliners, free drugs, cheaper door prices for those that show up early.  I'll keep it in mind :)

foorrgot to add.....another deal sealer..........a good ratio of girls to dudes....sausage parties are lame, i go to those all the time and i've about had it