Small talk is short. People are not asking for your life story. They want a warm hello and a light answer.
How’s it going?
Meaning. How are you? Informal hello.
When. Friends, coworkers, the café.
A: How’s it going?
B: Pretty good. You?
What have you been up to?
Meaning. What have you been doing lately?
When. After you have not talked for a while.
A: What have you been up to?
B: Work, mostly. You?
Nice to see you.
Meaning. I am glad we met today.
When. When you actually see the person, not on the phone.
A: Hey! Nice to see you.
B: You too.
How have you been?
Meaning. How is life since we last talked?
When. After days or months apart.
A: How have you been?
B: Busy, but good.
Not much.
Meaning. Nothing special is new.
When. A light answer to What’s new? or What have you been up to?
A: What’s new?
B: Not much.
Same old, same old.
Meaning. The usual. Nothing has changed.
When. A friendly, slightly tired answer.
A: How’s work?
B: Same old, same old.
Can’t complain.
Meaning. Things are okay.
When. When you do not want to dump problems on someone.
A: How’s it going?
B: Can’t complain.
It’s been a while.
Meaning. We have not seen each other for a long time.
When. When you meet again after months.
A: It’s been a while!
B: I know. Too long.
What’s new?
Meaning. Has anything interesting happened?
When. Quick catch-up.
A: What’s new?
B: Not much. You?
Good to see you.
Meaning. I am happy we crossed paths.
When. Leaving or arriving.
A: Good to see you.
B: You too. Take care.