there is a big difference between clubbing and partying IMO. Partying is when I go to a special event (foreign dj or a big event), whereas clubbing is (partiularly in Malta) when I head to the clubs around town and meet up with my friends.
The main difference is that when I go partying I go with just a few friends and the main goal is to make the most of the night, while clubbing is more 'relaxed' and normally the goal is to have fun and ultimately pull a chick