What is a rave party?

Answer 1

A rave is an electronic music dance party that lasts all night. It can feature performances from DJs or live music performers. Raves usually take place in dark rooms filled with laser lights, strobes and for machines. There is usually a lot of drugs going around, and people are dressed in all kinds of funky clothes.

Historically, a rave party was an illegal party which featured DJs playing techno or hardcore music. Nowadays, many people call any dance music event, legal or illegal a 'rave'.

Answer 2

An illegal rave is a party, usually happening in an abandoned warehouse, that does not have a legal permit. If the police comes in, depending on what country you are in, they can either close down the party, give a fine to the organizers or to everyone in the building for trespassing, public disturbance, etc. I can imagine they would also search people for drugs while they're at it.

But, you know, when they don't get busted, those parties are really awesome.