dinner party; ceremonial dinner
A formal or semi-formal meal gathering, often with a celebratory or ceremonial purpose.
卒業を祝って食事会を開いた。
We held a dinner party to celebrate the graduation.
meal meeting; business meal
A meal arranged for discussion or business, not necessarily a formal party. Can be any meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner).
新しいプロジェクトについて話し合うため、昼食を兼ねた食事会を設定した。
We arranged a lunch meeting to discuss the new project.
Compound of 食事 (meal) + 会 (gathering, meeting).