'Friends' gathering' refers to an informal, social meeting among friends—often for chatting, eating, drinking, or celebrating. The compound breaks down as: 朋 (péng) and 友 (yǒu), both meaning 'friend' (together forming the common word 朋友 péngyou); 聚 (jù) means 'to gather' or 'to assemble'; and 会 (huì) here means 'meeting' or 'gathering'. Together, the term emphasizes a relaxed, voluntary get-together—not a formal event or work-related meeting.

This noun is commonly used in everyday speech and writing when describing weekend plans, holiday reunions, or casual meetups. It carries warm, positive connotations of camaraderie and shared time. While it can refer to gatherings of any size, it usually implies intimacy and familiarity—not large public events. The phrase is neutral in register and appropriate across age groups and contexts, from texting a friend ('周末有朋友聚会！') to mentioning plans in conversation.