Definition: text messaging

Sending a short typed message, typically no more than 160 characters, from one mobile phone user to another. All mobile platforms are supported. Also called "texting," text messaging is "instant messaging" via cellphone. The short message service is text only (see SMS), while the multimedia messaging service supports images and video (see MMS). Worldwide, millions of text messages are sent every minute. See text messaging vs. instant messaging, Twitter, textalyzer, LINE messaging system, Jott, chat, iMessage, sexting, smexting and instant messaging.