So what exactly are "hosts?" in venues?

[VictorTheed]

I always picture a host as like a body some bug or virus is eating off of, like it's found it's host & now it's gonna go all parasite.

A hostess I picture as that snack cake company that makes all the cakes u see in gas stations or grocery stores.

[kaynide]

Just some additional information, regarding Hosts/Hostesses in Japan:

As others have said: You are paying for short-term companionship. People who go to these kinds of things regularly do so because they can talk to people without getting judged (to their face anyway). Think cheap therapy: people can vent and just say whatever is on their mind without it coming back to haunt them and/or without the need of a more clinical/helpful situation (aka real therapy). On top of that, Host/Hostesses tend to be very charming/entertaining in their own way (telling jokes, magic tricks, etc). With a group of shy friends or a group blind date kinda situation, a host can help by providing light entertainment. There also isn't really the negativity associated with, say, a strip club. It's a pretty standard thing to do with companies and visiting customers because they can drink and laugh and the company reps don't have to work too hard at keeping the customers happy.

For most though, I would say it's more like being a regular at a bar and talking to the bartender about your horrible boss/asking for dating advice.

All that said, it's not my thing, but I get why people might enjoy it- especially my shy friends.

[Imora]

When I think venue host I think of "the dude running the joint" like a party host.

I doubt it's the JP meaning on non JP servers.

[Renalt]

I'm hosting an event tonight on the Steps of Nald on Balmung at 8PM Mountain time at the location of X - 10.3 and Y - 8.5 doing Squats for...I dunno...4 hours? Come watch.

PLEASE LOOK FORWARD TO IT.

[Lunalepsy]

They're servers, hosts, etc.

[AnnRam]

I seriously miss the golden era of FFXIV and not this circle jerking Final Second Life Fantasy Sims XIV that have become in the last 3 years.