When is evening, when is night in NH? (theater, moving)

[Apapermaker]

One of those silly little things. I say goodbye to someone, say, at 5 pm, they respond with "have a good night."
An in-law from Maine says she "might have evening plans," she suggests we meet at 11:30 am, for perhaps a few hours.



I mean, I was under the impression evening began at about 6 pm, perhaps sunset, and night was beddy beddy time. People wishing me a good night, that would be when leaving the late theater, or after a family party, say, 10 pm? and perhaps that in-law wanted to have her evening free, meaning starting at 4 pm? (I didn't ask)


so there, collective wisdom, is it that New England calls those time markers earlier than I was used to, back in Texas?



Thank y'all.


BTW, have I told you that we bought a snowblower? we're staying!

[KCZ]

Long-time residents (three generations, at least) rarely use the word "evening." "Night" means when it gets dark, therefore the exact time is a moving target.

[Apapermaker]

My Maine in-law has maybe spent too long in Philadelphia :-)


Yup, that might be it, that "night" fills in for both words and concepts, and as such, yes, moving. Getting earlier now (where is the emoji with maple leaves turnin'?).


Thank you!