Question about betting etiquette (live)

You should ask what is the method used. Especially at those kind of games it's good to just ask. I have seen so many different ways to use verbal actions that it's impossible to say what is the right method. But I would assume if you say "raise to 100" that is pretty clear.

And normally you are allowed to touch that previous bet, as long as you end up with the right amount. Like if there was 10$ chip and you raise to 100$, you change that 10$ chip to 100$ one.

I have worked as a dealer at bars and home games, and my advice is always to ask if you are not sure, and say what you do before you make any actions (unless you know what you are doing). If you say "raise to 100" and accidentally put $1000 chip, you can change it. But if you just say "raise" and put 1000$ chip it's a raise to 1000.

People should be playing mostly for entertainment so be polite and just ask. I am sure they are happy to help you.

Thanks for the reply. Good to know.

Btw, which method do you think is better, "raise to" or "raise by"?

When I am a dealer I ask players to say clearly if its "raise to" if they talk about total amount. Otherwise it's "raise by". If one says "raise 100" it means he raises 100 more, same as saying raise and putting 100 chip.

In that case, is it acceptable to have "raise to" and "raise by", both methods in one hand? If yes, I think it is a little unfair, as it is confusing to count pot raises.

You can always say "pot".

It's not confusing unless people make it confusing. I can't see why it's confusing if someone bets 10, and second player says "I raise to 25" and puts chip of 25. Then the other player says "I raise 100 more" and puts required chips in.