How do you "go out"? Sociable guy but was never close to a scene like that

Gonna sound like a major dork here, but I've never "gone out" before. People here in NYC have started hitting me up, and I want to try it, but I have no idea what to do. How do you order at a bar, what's the procedure for paying the bartender for drink, what do you do once you're drunk, etc.? 

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Don’t feel bad for focusing on academics and your career prior to this. There’s no magic secret, just grab a drink at the bar (beer, whatever) and roll with it. Have a few and you’ll loosen up and blend in.

Keep in mind when you’re at a bar or around drunk people that you’ve almost got an invisibility cloak - people have a very narrow field of view. So don’t feel awkward or out of place. Nobody will care or remember, unless you want them to.

 

To answer your questions in order...

How to order a drink: Assuming you're a guy, try to flag down the bartender and nudge your way to the front. This is often easier for girls. Then just say the drink you want in a voice with volume adjusted to be loud enough so they can hear you. This more applies to the clubby bars or actual clubs I imagine you're referencing. If it's a smaller, chiller spot, no need to be as assertive.

How to pay for a drink: Either keep a tab open so you can get multiple drinks without having to pay each time (bartender will ask to keep it open or close it out), or just hand them cash or your card after they give you the drink. When you tell them to close it out, they'll give you your credit card back and a bill for all the drinks.

What to do when drunk: Everything.

Dayman?
 

No doubt, have fun bro. Also pro tip, when making your way to the bar especially at clubby spots, don't let other guys like muscle past you, else you'll never get to order. Be a rock (if you smell what the nightman is cookin).

Dayman?
 

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