What is the defining characteristic of parallel lines?

The defining characteristic of parallel lines is that they do not intersect. This means that no matter how far they are extended in either direction, they will never meet or cross each other. This property is fundamental in geometry and is what distinguishes parallel lines from other types of lines.

When thinking about the other choices, intersecting at right angles would describe perpendicular lines, not parallel lines. Creating congruent angles is a property related to angles formed by a transversal crossing two lines, but it does not define parallelism. Meeting at one point is characteristic of intersecting lines, which is the opposite of what defines parallel lines. Understanding these distinctions is essential for mastering the concepts of geometry and the relationships between different types of lines.