People ended up at Gatsby's parties in a variety of ways:
* Invitations: Some people received formal invitations. However, these were not always sent out, especially in the early days.
* Word of Mouth: Most people heard about the parties through gossip and rumors. The parties were notorious for their extravagance and the opportunity to mingle with the wealthy and famous.
* Connections: Many guests were friends of friends, or acquaintances of Gatsby's business associates. Gatsby's parties were a way to build his social circle and make connections in the hopes of eventually reuniting with Daisy Buchanan.
* Chance Encounters: Some guests were simply passing by and saw the lights and music and decided to stop by. Gatsby's parties were open to anyone who wanted to attend, as long as they were "presentable" and didn't disrupt the proceedings.
It's important to remember that the parties were mostly a facade. They were a way for Gatsby to impress Daisy and convince her that he had achieved the success he needed to win her back. The guests were, for the most part, shallow and self-absorbed, drawn to Gatsby's wealth and status rather than his true character.