How do I start a social network website?

[Mike]

You don't have to do ANY of that. No languages. NOTHING. Check Ning.com

They host millions of social networks, with a COMPLETE set of social modules that a hamster could run. It's that simple. Nobody else comes close.

It's not free. Can you afford $2.95 per month? :-)

You did say small, and that plan is capped at 150 members. It can get pricey over 150 members, $24.95 per month to you, but that tends to be very large sites with either ads or a subscription price. If your site is tightly targeted and relevant, you can easily charge $2 a YEAR membership, which would cover the monthly fee for 151 members.

They have a free trial. Try it. You'll love it. Repeat, you don't need ANY programming skills at all. Just $2.95 per month.

Best of luck.