Americans are viewed as very friendly by many other cultures because of their willingness to engage in conversation with anyone and it's based upon the idea that underneath it all, everyone is equal. They may speak with a store clerk in the same manner they would speak with their professor. When you are walking down a street a complete stranger may say "Hi" or "Hello". (One is not more formal than the other). Americans believe that it is polite to acknowledge the presence of another person and therefore readily greet one another regardless of age, gender or race.
Other ways of saying "hello" include:
Hey? (often drawn out in the south, sounds like haaay)
What's up?
How are you doing ?(often sounds like how ya doin)
no words but a small nod of the head
Whats shakin?
What are you up to?
Nice to see you
There are many ways to say hello but keep in mind that although it sounds like the beginning of a conversation, it's not. They are not really interested in how you are doing so even if you have a temperature of 105 degrees and suffering from the flu, the appropriate response is "fine, great, good, hanging in there, nice to see you too, or anything else that's quick. It's similar to using slang to say hello and goodbye.
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