Stereotypes are labels or categories people use to describe others based on characteristics like appearance, speech, or group membership. They involve making assumptions about people without knowing them as individuals. Stereotypes can form around differences in age, religion, income, gender, orientation, abilities, status, or appearance. To reduce stereotyping, people should focus on individuals, become aware of how stereotypes interfere with perception, recognize more diversity within than between groups, and learn other perspectives and cultures.