The general term "Young adult" refers to different age groups based on context:
- "Young adult" is a euphemism for an adolescent. The usage was introduced in the late 20th century / early 21st century due to a growing reluctance on the part of some people to refer to this age group as children, or even by older terms for the intermediate period between adulthood and such as adolescent, youth or teenager.
- In health and human development, young adulthood is considered to be the stage between adolescence and adulthood, roughly ages 15 to 24.
- In psychology, people of the age 20 to 40 are considered Young adults.
- The Catholic Church considers young adults to be between the ages of 18 and 34. Young Adults this age can attend World Youth Day.
- In the marketing of literature, books for young adults are targeted for ages 12 to 18.