In marketing and sales, a "lead" refers to an individual or organization that has shown interest in a product or service. Leads are often generated through various channels, such as social media, email campaigns, or website visits. They represent potential customers who may eventually make a purchase. Leads are typically categorized into different types, such as cold leads, warm leads, and hot leads. Cold leads have little to no prior interaction with a business, while warm leads have shown some interest. Hot leads are highly engaged and are more likely to convert into paying customers.