Difference between Host and Hostess


One of the significant discussions that have been on the rise is whether the terms host and hostess can be used in place of each other. The word Jody generally has varied applications and makes distinguishing them challenging.

One example we can see here is event management, considered a professional work genre. Among the other delegates, the hosts play an essential role in the success of both big and small events. The host's professionalism depends on the parties, and there are special training schools to establish oneself as the host or hostess.

However, when we take a deeper look at each of the applications, they may shed light on what each stands for, and the difference between the host and the hostess is not just limited to gender.

Who is a Host?

The word host is said to be an umbrella term that includes all activities that are attributed to the person hosting an event. Although the word host sub-categorization is male and female, a host is commonly attributed to a male person who indulges himself in hosting different activities. A good personality always acts as a plus point to a suitable host; the host is chosen based on skills like the entertaining nature, reliability of the content spoken, etc.

A host might be the guest at some parties, and vice versa. This interchangeability of the roles plays a vital role in maintaining a rapport and initiating friendly relations. The word host, when used as a verb, indicates the act of managing the party when the guests arrive. When used as a noun, the word host refers to a male host only who is expected to drive the events based on the agenda.

The term host has subjective interpretations as well, and it can take on different definitions based on the application like −

  • A host is someone who receives the guest and entertains them for commercial and other official purposes or socially.

  • A host might also be someone who facilitates a function or an event and provides facilitates for the same.

  • A person who engages guests in a TV show or a radio program is also known as a host.

Who is a Hostess?

The term "hostess" is attributed to feminine features only, and no male can identify himself as a hostess, irrespective of the specified group of activities assigned for an event. The term hostess is commonly referred to a female flight attendant host; this is an exclusive post for females most widely referred to as an air hostess.

Special examinations and strict training mode take place before the selection of the hostess. The term hostess is attributed in two ways, one where the female hosts events and two to serve as a flight attendant throughout the journey.

The term "hostess" has many definitions based on its usage, including −

  • A hostess is paid to entertain guests or one who does it socially.

  • A woman in charge of seating diners in a public room is also referred to as a hostess.

  • A hostess is also employed on a public conveyance in cases like a flight attendant who caters to the needs of the passengers.

Differences between Host and Hostess

The main difference between the host and hostess is that the former is a male and the latter is a female; both these terms emerged when there was a need for assistance in the field of event management. The following are some more differences between the host and the hostess other than the gender.

Characterizers
Host
Hostess
Definition
A host is an individual who is expected to act as the representative of a party in front of the guests, the organizer of the party may also be the host.
A hostess is the same as the host but is female, with similar functions to the host.
Clothing / Dress code
A host usually wears tuxedos in a formal gathering, and their attire changes based on the event.
A hostess usually dresses in traditional clothes and western formals, including a pantsuit.
Tasks assigned
The main task of the host is management and extracting information.
The hostess's main task is manipulating, serving food, and catering to the needs of the passengers.
Grammar usage
The word "host" is used both as a verb and a noun.
The word "hostess" has only been used as a noun.
Level of reliability
Hosts are usually preferred for large gatherings may be due to gender stereotypes.
Hostesses are generally preferred for traditional gatherings and cultural programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the genders, the male and the female, were initially a preserve of the other gender, but they share many roles now. This plays for both the host and the hostess, and everything a host does, a hostess does too. The host and hostess invite guests, welcome them, provide them with food and drinks and entertain them. There has been a rise in the sharing of jobs between male and female workers. Hence, the role of the host is no longer reserved for the women or the hostesses only.

Both the host and the hostess work in unity for the active incorporation of all types of traits; whether or not it is a party or a business meeting, the management needs to delegate the work of hosting the people effectively to a good host. Apart from this, the host and the hostess are present to cater to the needs and queries and should have apt knowledge regarding the invitees for extra reference.

Updated on: 11-Jul-2022

1K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements