Regulars at parties — still competitive or more community vibes?

When you attend lifestyle parties where most of the people are regulars and have known each other for a while, do the dynamics still feel competitive, or does it shift into more of a genuine community environment? I’m not referring to obvious drama, but the subtle social energy — attention, attraction, positioning, unspoken comparisons. Once a group becomes familiar, does that competitive edge fade into comfort and friendship, or does it simply become more understated? I’m curious how others experience this over time, especially in spaces where connection and intimacy are part of the culture.