‘Playing’ is something small children do.
When people become adults they ‘play (something)’, or ‘go out’, ‘hang out’, ‘socialise’, etc..
Examples
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| “What do you like to do?” “I like to play.” | “What do you like to do?” “I like to play sports.” |
| “What are you going to do this weekend?” “My friend and I are going out to play.” | “What are you going to do this weekend?” “My friend and I are going out to see a movie, have a few drinks, and maybe go to karaoke.” |
| “What did you do last night?” “I went out to play with my friends.” | “What did you do last night?” “I hung out with my friends.” |