What type of bond is formed when electrons are shared between atoms?

When electrons are shared between atoms, a covalent bond is formed. This type of bond typically occurs between nonmetal atoms, where each atom contributes at least one electron to the shared pair. The sharing of electrons allows each atom to achieve greater stability, often leading to the formation of molecules.

In contrast, ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, creating charged ions that attract each other. Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' that are delocalized across a lattice of metal cations, allowing them to conduct electricity and heat. Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a more electronegative atom and another electronegative atom, rather than involving shared electrons in the way covalent bonds do. This makes covalent bonding distinct and crucial for the stability and variety of molecular compounds.