Where have you been or where were you?

[Jamilion]

If someone I know was absent, then I saw him suddenly, what I must say..

Where have you been or where were you?

When I should use one of them instead of the other ?

Thank you.

Jam
_________________
We are always looking for a miracle but the things we are used to seeing are more miraculous than those we are looking for.

[Skrej]

Either one is correct and acceptable.

However,be aware both sound a little bit demanding. If you know the person well enough, it'd would be okay to use them, but I wouldn't use them with people I didn't know well, or say, my boss or a teacher.

I can't help but hear my mother's voice echoing in my head with those exact same questions , countless times when I was a child and didn't make it home as soon as my mother thought I should have, or if I had gone off without telling her first.

Usually, she'd proceed the question with my full name, including my middle name. Any time a parent uses your full name, it's always a clear indication something's about to hit the fan.
_________________
Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.
***
Did you hear they arrested the Energizer Bunny on battery charges?
***

[Jamilion]

[Natasha81]

If you accidentally bump into a person you have not seen for a long time, “Where have you been” is the most appropriate, I believe.
“OMG, I can’t believe my eyes!! Where have you been? I have not seen you for ages.”

“Where were you” is usually used in context. “Where were you yesterday/last week/when I was looking for you?

[Kitosdad]

"Any time a parent uses your full name, it's always a clear indication something's about to hit the fan."

Isn't that the truth!
_________________
If you need me, I'm here.

[Jamilion]

Natasha thank you very much your way is very clear .. and I'm thankful to my friend Dad and Skrej

By the way.. Where have you been Skrej.. I haven't seen you for long time, And you Dad where were you?

Thank you.
_________________
We are always looking for a miracle but the things we are used to seeing are more miraculous than those we are looking for.