Russian parties, are they more than just the stereotype?

When I asked my friend here how would you describe a Russian party, she responded: vodka, cigarettes and card games. Well, it is not far from the truth but still, there is something more than just tangible. Americans have parties as Hollywood movies show us. Big house, a lot of unfamiliar faces, loud music, and drinking games. 

My typical party with friends in Russia is when you invite only close friends, usually, people are not very pleased with someone they do not know. If there are more than seven people, all the party is divided into two groups: one is dancing, the other one is sitting in the kitchen and talking. Saying dancing I mean really dancing, as here people may just turn on the music and leave no room for dance over here. Americans keep talking when the loud music is on and lights are sparkling. Talking in America means screaming "Hi!" to anybody you know, giving a hug and say about two-three words. The kitchen talks in Russia are just part of our culture, usually, in the middle of the party some of the people go to the kitchen to smoke or just to talk, then their amount is increasing as anybody, who comes, wants to say something. We discuss the most fundamental topics. It covers politics, philosophy, religion and trivial things in our every day lives. The conversations are usually serious and sometimes people may argue but mostly it ends well. After the Russian party, you feel like you liberated from your problems like the weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 

I can't say I don't like American parties. I really do, but sometimes I need those kitchen talks but overall it's a good night.