In a wider sense, the term nightclub dance, or club dance, is used in the meaning of disco dance (see disco music).
In a narrower sense, especially in the context of dance competitions, the term nightclub dance is used to denote a group of social partner dances less formalized than ballroom dance, but more formalized than street dance. (Some of them are considered "street dances" as well.) As their name suggests, they are suitable for dancing in informal atmosphere of night clubs, bars, social events, etc. In addition, rising interest in nightclub dancing ignited by dance television shows has seen elements of street dancing and social partner dancing combine for dancing in modern nightclub
Nightclub dances are formalized in two respects: they are taught in dance studios (despite not all dances actually developing in them), their steps /patterns are relatively well established and documented, and there are competitions in these dances.
Social dancing of the USA recognizes the following nightclub dances:
In addition, Modern Jive, LeRoc, and Ceroc are popular in Europe.
Street dances are growing in popularity amongst the nightclub crowd. For a list of these dances, see the street dance article.