Digital Camera or Digital SLR?

I love my Nikon N50 film camera but i want to get a new digital camera or digital SLR camera that i can take to parties. The Nikon i have is heavy & too big to take to parties, games, etc. So is there a digital camera that will give me great pictures while being portable? Or even a portable digital SLR?
Price isn't a huge issue but under $700 would be nice.

Since, it appears to me, you have no experience with dslr cameras perhaps something simple and easy to learn and operate would be the answer.

One of mine is the Canon Rebel XS. I've had mine for well over a year with great results. But, if you plan on using a dslr just like a point and shoot you're going to be disappointed. These cameras are designed for serious photography not gimmicks or "snappers". These things are fully controllable for a reason. You'll be waisting money if you point and shoot any dslr camera.

The Nikon D3100 is within your budget and all the skills you have from using the N50 are applicable.

It is a lightweight dSLR you will not mind carrying around, especially as you get used to the high quality a dSLR has over a compact P&S camera.

Visit a camera store and try holding a D3100 in your hands.

I carry around a D300 with battery grip and a D3 everywhere I go. On photo assignments as well as parties and other events. While you are in the store, hold one of those cameras and see why a D3100 may not "feel" heavy or too big to me.

If you want something portable for low light situations like parties, look at the new larger sensor point and shoot cameras. All also have manual controls like a DSLR when you need them:

Canon s95
Panasonic DMC-LX5
Nikon P7000