Well, the problem with the term is that it does encompass a lot. Most people, if you were to ask them what a Goth was, would say something along the lines of, "Someone who appreciates finding beauty and creativity in the darker sides of life, and is more open to new perspectives about typically 'sad' subjects."

It's safe to say that the Goth culture is almost purely art-driven. Goth music and art (visual art, not the general term) is the most obvious, but literature (this is the one time where you actually can blend the terms "goth" and "gothic - the Gothic authors are very popular in the community) and theatre play a big role as well. It is very, very rare that you'll find a Goth who isn't very interested in creating their own art in some way (and some Goths will say that such a person couldn't really be Goth at all).

The stereotype of the "anti-mainstream" Goth is, for the most part, pretty accurate. Goths don't like to limit themselves to one mindset, and (perhaps rightfully, perhaps not) feel that more popular ideals encourage a more close-minded way of life.

In a nutshell, Goths are typically open-minded, creative, art-loving people who look at 'darker' things their own way.

I hope this was helpful?

As far as I can tell, all the goth stereotypes are correct, but are often depicted as comically out of whack. The difference seems to be one of degree rather than kind.