Silent disco should not be confused with quiet party. It has gained popularity over the recent years, however, the idea has already been around for quite sometime. Basically, this type of event allows people to dance in headphones. Rather than using the traditional speakers, people gathering in this kind of event will be dancing in headphones. The music is transmitted via wireless headphones. It is broadcasted through a FM transmitter and the signal is picked up by the wireless headphones that are worn by the participants. Those who are not wearing headphones won’t be able to hear anything, hence the name silent disco. It would appear as if the participants are dancing to nothing.

Mobile clubbing is a similar event wherein people gather in one unconventional location to dance to music while wearing their portable music players. These flash mob gatherings temporarily transform public spaces into clubbing areas, where hundreds of people are usually involved.

Invitation for mobile clubbing and silent disco events are disseminated through mass emails, social networking (i.e. Facebook and Myspace) or through the word of mouth.

Another variant of such kind of event is the silent gig wherein live bands are involved. The bands will be competing in front of an audience. They will be using electric instruments that are connected to a transmitter, instead of an amplifier. Without the headphones, the only sound that can be heard is the light tapping from the electric drums as well as the vocals of the lead singer.