Definition: The term hot linking refers to the practice of linking to an object, usually an image or a video, from where it is housed on a website or server to a second website, without permission.
Hot linking is considered to be bad manners on the Web, since it includes linking to or embedding an image or video that is stored on someone else's website or server, where that image or video is being stored. The hot link gives the impression that the content is hosted on the hot linking website, rather than from the originating website, contributing potential traffic, influence, or authority to the offending site.
Also Known As: image leeching, hotlinking, direct linking, inline linking
