Event management is considered to be a professional genre of work. Among many other delegates, hosts play an important role in the success of events, both big and small. As far as parties are concerned, hosts may or may not be professional. There are special types of training schools as well, for establishing oneself as a host or hostess. The difference between these two terms is not just limited to gender.
Host vs Hostess
The main difference between host and hostess is that the former is mostly male while the latter is always female. These terms emerged when there was a need for professional help in the field of event management. Before such categorization, a person chosen by mutual agreement or one who voluntarily agreed to host was allowed to do so.
A host is most commonly attributed to a male person who indulges in hosting activities. On the other hand, the word host has subjective interpretations as well. Hosts are expected to dress in tuxedos or cultural attire, based on the requirements of the particular gathering.
A hostess is a female who takes care of hospitability and other management tasks in meetings or cultural events. When there is a need for employing persuasive techniques, female hosts are preferred over male hosts.
Comparison Table Between Host And Hostess
| Parameters of Comparison | Host | Hostess |
| Definition | A host is a moderator expected to act as the representative of party organizers in front of the guests. The organizer might also become the host. | Hostess is a female host with almost similar functions. |
| Grammar Usage | The word host is used as a verb and a noun. | The word hostess is only used as a noun. |
| Clothing | Hosts can wear tuxedos in all formal gatherings. | A hostess can dress in traditional clothes or western formals (including pantsuits). |
| Tasks Assigned | Management and extracting information. | Manipulation and serving food. |
| Context of Reliability | Preferred for large gatherings (maybe due to gender stereotypes). | Preferred for traditional gatherings and cultural programs. |
What is Host?
The word host is an umbrella term that incorporates all activities that are attributed to the person hosting an event. The subcategorization might be into a male host and a female host. When used as a noun, host refers to a male host only, expected to manage events based on the agenda. Once the particular person gets ready to actually “host” the show or event, there might be the inclusion of a co-host as well for the successful distribution of necessary acts.
A good personality is always a plus point for such interactive posts. As far as the concrete act of hosting is concerned, no two people have the same qualities and the choice is made based on skills like entertaining nature, reliability of content spoken, etc.
Host, when used as a verb indicates the act of managing the party when guests arrive. The relationship is mainly considered between the guests and the host who is hosting the party. All forms of grammatical variants can be used. At times, the host might be the guest of some other party and vice versa. Interchangeability of roles helps maintain a rapport and initiates friendly relations.
What is Hostess?
A hostess is a female host. This term is also used commonly while referring to a flight attendant. This is an exclusive post for females, most commonly referred to as an air hostess. There are special examinations and rigorous modes of training held before the final selection process. Therefore, the term hostess can be interpreted in two ways – a female host for events, and a female flight attendant to serve the travelers throughout the journey.
Formal dressing for female hosts might be cultural or western. In most cases, a female host (hostess) and a male host handle the stage together so that unanimity is maintained while the event progresses. They can even interchange their roles if required.
Hostess is attributed to feminine features only. No male can identify himself as a hostess, irrespective of the designated role-play or specific group of activities assigned for the event. Female hosts are expected to impress the audience with their charm and aid in fruitful results by using psychological tricks of client manipulation. On the other hand, the dressing criteria have been controversial for females in this profession.
Main Differences Between Host And Hostess
- A host is defined as a male moderator while a hostess is a female moderator. The common tasks are mostly differentiated based on gender stereotypes.
- The word “host” is both a verb and a noun while hostess is just a simple noun, referring to the female version of a host.
- A host might be dressed as per the traditional theme, while the most common dressing style is a formal tuxedo. A hostess is expected to wear formals (western) at official events while traditional parties do not put any bar on the clothing.
- The tasks assigned to a host include handling large gatherings and multitasking is common to both the host and the hostess. Tasks assigned to a hostess mostly include the introduction of members and cooperation.
- Hosts are more reliable in handling tasks like management while a hostess is delegated with persuasive tasks and other activities attributed to the nature of manipulation of the audience.
Conclusion
A host and a hostess can work in unity for the active incorporation of all types of traits. Whether it is a party or a business meeting, the management needs to delegate the work of hosting the people effectively to a good orator. Apart from that, the host or hostess should be present for all queries and should have apt knowledge regarding all the invitees, for extra references.
If someone is confused between a female and male host, it is best to check out the background. The success rate is determined by the turnout of the particular event. For unofficial purposes, the event’s central objective should be clearly explained to the person hired for such acts. Both of them have unique features and play an important role in all types of gatherings.
References
- https://meridian.allenpress.com/human-organization/article-abstract/19/1/17/69743
- https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/7579/volumes/v21/NA-21