Small talk!

Small talk is a common way people communicate with each other when they meet each other in various places such as on the street, at school, at the grocery store etc. These conversations are very informal and often short. For example:

'I haven't seen you for ages'

This phase means ‘I haven’t seen you for a very long time!’

A possible response could be:

‘It’s been a long time!’ or ‘I can’t believe it’s been so long!’

Next one could ask:
'What've you been up to? ‘Or ‘Hey, what’s up?’ or 'How have you been?'

This phase means ‘what have you been doing?’ Or ‘How are you?’

Now here you are not expected to tell full details of everything you have been doing lately, but it’s a friendly way of making conversation.

You may just respond with

‘What are you up to?’ or ‘What’s up?’ or 'How have you been?'

‘Good thanks, and you?’ or “Not bad! And you?’ or

‘Nothing much! What about you?’ or ‘This and that, you know!’

Remember in a small talk people often don’t make complete sentences but use short phrases. Also these phrases might be grammatical strange to you. So just try to use them from time to time and have fun with them.

You will find many more informal phrases when listening to native English speakers.