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The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a contract to be:
1 : a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties; especially : one legally enforceable
2 : a document describing the terms of a contract

A social contract, on the other hand, is "an actual or hypothetical agreement among the members of an organized society or between a community and its ruler that defines and limits the rights and duties of each."

Ideally, when a promise is made it is always followed through. Unfortunately this is certainly not true in most situations. This does not mean that it was knowingly violated, but perhaps the person forgot or found it necessary to act in violation to the promise made. Due to the fragile state of such agreements, I do not think that all promises may be viewed as contracts. A contract in my mind is something unbreakable, or if broken followed by punishment or castigation. Entering a contract is a serious matter, and so requires some accompanying proof of mutual understanding between those entering it. For example, when students go on a field trip they are required to fill out a permission slip that at the same time communicates the required behaviour during the outing and asks the student's agreement with those terms. Once signed (so that there is proof that the student understood and agreed) it is perfectly justifiable for the school to allot punishment in form equal to that of the crime commit should the agreement be broken.

I do believe that most contracts should have evidence of entry, but social contracts are an exception. An example of a social contract within our society might be the law itself - it is assumed that you know the law and so will not break it. If you do, you can be faced with fines, community service work, or jail time. Another example is the U.S. Constitution. A tacit contract is etiquette - you are expected by fellow members of your society to behave kindly and politely, as well as follow the rules that govern the society. I agree with Frannie when she says that such a contract is different between people - in large part it is dependant upon how you were raised and what you value in proper behaviour. I agree also with James when he says that it is assumed that all individuals will try their best to contribute in some way to the overall condition of the society. It is a hoped for objective, but not always expected. Generally everyone should do the best they can with the situation they are given.