Learn English – “Invite someone [over] to dinner” vs. “… for dinner”

dialectalmeaningprepositionsregionalword-choice

What's the difference between "invite someone [over] to dinner" and "invite someone [over] for dinner"?

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Best Answer

I use them interchangeably but I prefer for just because it reminds me of the joke in the final scene in The Silence Of The Lambs.

Hannibal Lecter: [on telephone] I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye. 
Clarice Starling: Dr. Lecter?... Dr. Lecter?... Dr. Lecter?... Dr. Lecter?...