I think they all have merits and a place in time.
Usually, I'll have more gatherings than anything else. However, shindigs are great for say, someone's birthday or something smallish like that. But a hootenanny? Well you break that out for graduation, or someone leaving/coming home. The big stuff.
I honestly couldn't discredit either function, I need em all! Gatherings are great, nothing better than a chat, but sometimes you just need to stand on a table with your best friends and sing Champagne Supernova at the top of you lungs, choc full hoot...just a little bit of nanny (sw)
I'm so bloody Irish. Can't be without a party! lol