Staying at a cocktail party too long may indicate you’re having a great time, but it can be inconsiderate to the host.

If the host indicated an ending time on the invite, that means it’s time to leave when that time comes. If no ending time is suggested, etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley suggests staying aware of some clues. For instance, if coffee and dessert have been served and cleaned up, the host turns off the music, most guests have gotten their coats and left, or the host’s partner says goodbye and goes to bed, the event is over. 

Farley also says to be aware of if the host starts speaking about the event in the past tense, like “It was so wonderful seeing everyone tonight.”