Evening is the time when the sky starts to get dark – usually around 6-8 PM.
Night is the time when it is dark and people are generally sleeping.
Say “Good evening” to say “hello” after 6:00 PM. “Good evening” is commonly used
at restaurants, in a professional context, and in speeches (when you speak in front of
a large number of people):
▶️ “Good evening, do you have a reservation?” (at a restaurant)
▶️ “Good evening, Tom. How are you?” (to a colleague)
▶️ “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen…” (in a speech)
In general, “good evening” is a little more formal. Friends don’t normally say “good
evening” to each other – they would say “Hi” or “What’s up?” or another informal
greeting.
Say “Good night” to say “goodbye” – when you are leaving to go home. Family
members also say “good night” when they are going to bed.
▶️ “Good night, Janet. See you tomorrow.” (at work)
▶️ “Good night, mom. I’m going to bed.” (at home)