What are exchanges like "How are you," "I'm fine," and "See you later" called?
Solution 1:
This is an example of phatic communication:
phatic [ˈfætɪk] adj (Linguistics) (of speech, esp of conversational phrases) used to establish social contact and to express sociability rather than specific meaning
Solution 2:
They are called pleasantries. From The Free Dictionary:
pleas·ant·ry (n.)
1. A humorous remark or act; a jest.
2. A polite social utterance; a civility.
3. A good-humored or playful manner in conversation or social relations.
Solution 3:
It just occurred to me that "formalities" is what I was looking for.