How do I leave a conversation at a party without being rude?

Give them a genuine sendoff — something specific you enjoyed about the conversation — then give a real reason to move. "I need to find the host before they leave" is clean. A warm exit doesn't require a long goodbye.

Is it okay to use a small excuse to escape a boring conversation?

Small social white lies are normal and expected. What makes exits awkward isn't the excuse — it's the delivery. If you look guilty or over-explain, they notice. Say it naturally and keep moving.

What if the person follows me or keeps talking after I try to leave?

This usually means you didn't close the exit clearly. Try a physical cue — turn your body toward your destination as you say goodbye. If they follow, introduce them to someone else and drift away naturally.