[javascript] Node.js Error: connect ECONNREFUSED

I am new to node and running into this error on a simple tutorial.

I am on the OS X 10.8.2 trying this from CodeRunner and the Terminal. I have also tried putting my module in the node_modules folder.

I can tell this is some kind of connection problem but I have no idea why?

events.js:71
        throw arguments[1]; // Unhandled 'error' event
                       ^
Error: connect ECONNREFUSED
    at errnoException (net.js:770:11)
    at Object.afterConnect [as oncomplete] (net.js:761:19)

app.js:

var makeRequest = require('./make_request');

makeRequest("Here's looking at you, kid");
makeRequest("Hello, this is dog");

make_request.js:

var http = require('http');

var makeRequest = function(message) {

    //var message = "Here's looking at you, kid.";
    var options = {
        host: 'localhost', port: 8080, path:'/', method: 'POST'
    }

    var request = http.request(options, function(response) {
        response.on('data', function(data) {
            console.log(data);
        });
    });
    request.write(message);
    request.end();
};

module.exports = makeRequest;

Chances are you are struggling with the node.js dying whenever the server you are calling refuses to connect. Try this:

process.on('uncaughtException', function (err) {
    console.log(err);
}); 

This keeps your server running and also give you a place to attach the debugger and look for a deeper problem.