 Is being too early actually worse than being too late? It can be. If you're going to a small get-together with friends like a dinner party, you should get there 10 minutes after the start time. If it's a bigger house party, don't plan to get there until at least an hour after it started. Why? Because the host is probably still setting up their place, so unless you're asked to help out, don't be early. Now there are events you should be early for, like a meeting or a job interview. And if you're going to see a show or a movie, aim to be there 10 to 15 minutes before show time. Some theaters actually won't let you in after the show starts, and you'll want to be that guy that's sneaking into your seat late now, do you?