when u meet a person we

a) casually enquire about someone's well being
by asking 'how do u do?' 'how is ur health lately?'

b)or might complement by saying 'u look lovely..' 'u have a wonderful home..'

what are the different words(one for casual enquiry and other for complement) that can be used to fill the blank in the context below

the guests after exchanging initial..........,moved on to talk about more serious matters.