What term describes the control of space between a pair of letters in typography?

The term that describes the control of space between a pair of letters in typography is kerning. Kerning specifically refers to the adjustment of space between individual letter pairs to achieve a visually pleasing and readable result. This practice is essential for creating text that flows well and maintains good legibility, as certain letter combinations can appear too far apart or too close together if not adjusted appropriately.

Leading refers to the space between lines of text, which is important for readability and overall layout but does not focus on the space between individual letters. Tracking, on the other hand, adjusts the overall spacing across a range of letters or an entire block of text rather than just between specific pairs. The term hanging has different applications in typography and is not related to spacing adjustments. Understanding kerning helps designers ensure that their typography is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional in terms of readability.