Let's meet for lunch

[angliholic]

Let's meet for lunch at the diner.
Let's have a luncheon at the diner.



Do both of the above sound right and mean about the same? Thanks.

[Delmobile]

In modern American usage, only the first would be correct in the sense of meeting a friend for a quick, casual midday meal. "Luncheon" refers to a more formal, organized entertainment.

When Bob retires next month, management will host a luncheon in his honor.

"Let's have lunch [not "a lunch"] at the diner" is roughly the equivalent of "Let's meet for lunch at the diner."

(not a teacher)

[angliholic]

Thanks, Debmobile, for the clear reply.