A hangout is a, usually informal, social gathering place. Often it is a place of business, such as a restaurant or a store that is not normally consiered a place where separate groups mingle. A hangout can be a general location like a street corner, a cul de sac, or a distinctive tree. Usually it is sheltered enough to provide enough privacy for a group to gather without drawing unwanted attention, yet convenient and visible enough for it to get noticed by other potential participants, but still relying primarily on word of mouth.