This is a low-jargon website, but some words are essential:

Practica:
A practice session, usually with a teacher present to answer questions and give advice. n.b. ‘practica’ is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable: /PRACtica/. Dresscode: informal.

Milonga:
A tricky one, this.

Milonga = music
Originally it referred to a type of music (voice and guitar) from the Argentine Pampas.

Milonga = dance
Milonga music moved to the cities around the River Plate and people developed a dance to go with it. Thus the word ‘milonga’ acquired a second meaning: the dance associated with milonga music.

Milonga = event
And what did they call the clubs where people heard/danced to milonga? ‘Milongas’.

The picture is complicated somewhat because when tango evolved from milonga, the old name for the clubs was retained. Also, since the 1930s milonga as music/dance was revived in tango clubs. (Vals is also played: waltz music played with a tango feel.)

So nowadays you could say (if you’ve taken a deep breath) ‘in a milonga you mostly hear tango music, but sometimes the DJ will put on a milonga, to which you dance milonga’.

The best place to learn tango is at milongas. The most important part of dancing tango is developing a feel for the music, and the best place to do this is at a milonga. They vary hugely; if you don’t like one, try another. A good milonga will have a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space to sit and watch – but remember, trial and error is the best way to learn to dance… It’s fine to dance in a simple way (that’s how the Argentines tend to do it), so just take it easy and let the music show you how to move.

Dresscode: don’t be shy…