General Gatherings:
* Assembly: A formal gathering of people for a specific purpose.
* Convocation: A formal gathering of people, especially for a religious or academic event.
* Congregation: A gathering of people, especially for religious worship.
* Meeting: A formal gathering of people for a discussion or decision-making.
* Group: A general term for any collection of people.
Social Gatherings:
* Party: A social gathering for celebration or entertainment.
* Soiree: A formal social gathering, often in the evening.
* Gathering: This word itself can be used as a collective noun, especially in informal contexts.
Other Examples:
* Crowd: A large gathering of people, often in a public place.
* Throng: A large, densely packed gathering of people.
* Mob: A large, often unruly gathering of people.
The best choice for a collective noun depends on the specific context and the type of gathering.