How can I ask questions without sounding nosy?

[Teadrinker11]

I can't stand nosy people myself but am becoming genuinely concerned that that is exactly what I am becoming, at least to the perception of others. I just started a night course and on the break or before class starts we usually chat, the course itself is the main topic of conversation but sometimes to make conversation when I can't find anything else to talk about I might ask someone a question about something. I never do it out of genuine nosiness myself, but others don't know that. For example, one of them recently said he was going to a birthday party so that's something I'd ask about to make conversation, something like "How was the party?" Or I asked another girl when we got back from the Christmas break how her Christmas was and if she got home. But I really do not want to come across as nosey when asking questions. Is it possible to ask questions without coming across as nosey?

Yes, I think people who don’t ask questions come across as self absorbed.
Your questions don’t sound nosey.

You're following up on something they shared with you, that's how conversations work. I would see what you're asking as normal, don't 2nd guess so much or you'll tie yourself in knots and won't ask anything :)

Those questions are not at all nosey. And agree with a pp that people who don’t ask questions come across as socially awkward and self absorbed.

Agree jts not nosey.
Your showing an interest in them and want to follow the conversation on.
I love finding out about people's lives 😂

Following up on something people volunteered is fine.