As in any social activity, there are expected rules of conduct in swinging.  Following the rules if an effective way to make yourself welcome within the swinging community.  Some general rules are:

1) Make a reservation.  Let your hosts (be it a party house or private party) know that you are coming.  If you find that you can't go after having made a reservation, call back and cancel it  It makes it a lot easier to plan the proper amount of food and keep track of who hasn't arrived yet when the hosts know how many guests to expect.

2) Arrive on time unless other arrangements have been made.  It isn't fashionable to be late to a swing party.  If you will be late, call.

3) Arrive and leave a party as a couple, unless other arrangements have been made beforehand with the hosts.  It is frowned upon by most hosts and other swingers at a party when a partner, usually the woman, departs, leaving her mate or date at the party as a single.

4) Follow parking instructions.  Your hosts know the best ways to be on good terms with neighbors.  Breach of parking arrangements is a good way to set neighbors against the party.

5) Attractive but casual party clothes are usually best.  If you are attending an on-premise party, take a robe, negligee, or other slip-on.  You may find it more comfortable as the evening continues.  Keep money, jewelry, and other valuables at a minimum.  If they are lost, it's a problem for you and an embarrassment to your hosts.

6) Good grooming is a plus for you and swinging.  Be aware of your body and take care of it.  Few things kill ardor more quickly than body odor.  Be aware also of your kisses tasting of cigarettes or liquor.

7) A Good mental attitude and emotional health will make you popular in the swinging community. No one appreciates the negative person with nothing good to say about the party, other persons, or swinging.  The man or woman with the smile, ready laugh, and obvious interest in others is the person others like to be around.

8) Everyone has the right of refusal.  You shouldn't swing with a person unless you want to, and they don't have to swing with you.  Be honest with yourself regarding your feelings and desires, and expect that others will do the same.  Only ask those you want to say "yes."  If they say "no," take it graciously and don't try to coerce, pressure, or persuade them to change their mind.  When you say "no," be tactful and courteous.  But don't say, "Maybe later" when you really mean "no."

9) Don't take a "ticket" to a swing party.  A ticket is someone who has no intention of swinging but is willing to go along to get someone else in.  No one must swing at a party, of course, but if one person swings, it is expected that the other is willing and free to do the same.

10) Don't take someone to a swing party who is not fully informed as to the nature of the party and their expected behavior.

11) Don't eat, drink, or smoke in any bedroom or other swing area. Besides the obvious fire hazards and potential mess, these areas are reserved for other activities.  This is one of the most violated rules of swinging etiquette and one of those most likely to make you an unwelcome guest.

12) Don't disturb the swinging enjoyment of others in a bedroom or other swing area with loud or prolonged talk.

13) The group room is for group swinging.  If you want privacy, don't go to the group room.  If you take your partner or any other person to the group room to swing, you can expect others to ask to join you and your partner.  (The right of refusal always applies, of course.  Swinging in the group room doesn't automatically give others permission to join you.)

14) Club swing parties have party dues or donations.  It is your responsibility to present it upon being checked in for a party.  Don't make hosts remind you.  If attending a private party, take a gift - cheese or other snack - or make a donation to help with expenses.

15) Don't be a bedroom "cruiser."  Quietly opening a door to see if there is an available bed for you and your partner to use is alright.  However, looking into bedrooms, pulling back curtains, turning on lights, and going into private swing areas as a stag to see if you can get involved in something, are major breaches of swinging etiquette.  If you become known for such behavior you may find that swing party invitations become few and far in between.

16) Illegal substances, including marijuana, are prohibited at responsible clubs and private parties. Swinging is its own pleasure, don't dilute it and don't subject yourself and others to legal problems.  Going in and out of the party to your car will be suspect.  Don't do it.

17) If a party is BYOB (bring your own bottle), only drink what you bring.  Never help yourself to what others have brought without their permission.  This is another of the much violated rules of swing etiquette, and one that causes anger among the party guests.

18) Tell the hosts if another guest causes a problem, won't take "no" for an answer, or is objectionable in any real way.  They sincerely want to know so they can correct the problem or alleviate it in the future.  Keeping problems and bad feelings to yourself only contributes tension to the situation.

19) If you like a club or party, say so.  If it just isn't your thing, leave.  To speak disparagingly of a party to the other guests is simply poor manners.

20) If you don't intend to go with the theme of a theme swing party, don't go.  You'd only be a wet blanket.  Theme parties may call for costumes, special party wear or a special activity. Examples are Halloween, pajama or babydoll, nude, "everyone swing" and bisexual parties.