To hang out (verb) If someone asks you where you usually hang out, they want to know in which place you prefer to be when you have free time. And if your friend asks you if you want to hang out with them, they’re asking you if you’re free and want to spend some time together. And what about if you ask your friend what they’re doing and they just answer hanging out? It means that they are free and not doing anything special.
Example 1)
“Hey, it’s great to see you again.”
“And you. We must hang out sometime.”
“I would love that. I’ll call you soon.”
Example 2)
“Paulo, where do you usually hang out on a Friday night?”
“If I’m not working, usually at the diner across the road from school.”
“Cool, I’ve been there a few times.”
Example 3)
“Hi Simon, what are you doing?”
“Nothing much, just hanging out with Sally.” (In this case you can just use the word hanging without the out and say “Nothing much, just hanging with Sally.”)
And if it’s used as a noun? It refers to the place where you spend your free time.
Example 4)
“Joey, where are you, guys.”
“We’re at our usual hang out. Come down whenever you want!” (It could mean their favorite café, the gym or even the park).