online chat

Text-based internet dialogue

Online chat is real-time text-based conversation over the internet.

Unlike email, messages appear instantly and expect immediate response.

Chat happens through dedicated apps, website widgets, or built into games and social platforms: I met her through online chat, Customer support is available via online chat.

The format ranges from one-on-one exchanges to group conversations with dozens of participants.

Related
  • WhatsAppMobile messaging platform
  • TelegramEncrypted chat application
  • DiscordGaming communication platform
  • SlackBusiness communication software
  • WeChatChinese multipurpose messaging app

netiquette · trolling · keyboard warrior · anonymity · cyberbullying · Signal · read receipts · lurking · emojis · textisms · real time · catfishing · away message · messenger · private message · chatbots · servers · typing indicator

Categories
Opposites
communication medium

online chatphone call

Remote voice conversation

voice call · video call · radio communication · telephone conversation · voice chat

synchronicity and formality

online chatlegal document

Formally binding written record

certified mail · official correspondence · formal letter · memorandum · press release

physical presence

online chatphysical presence

Being somewhere in body

face-to-face · tête-à-tête · being there

Family

chat, online, chatter, chats, chatting, chatterbox, chatted, chatbot, chatroom

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G