How is an object described as being in orbit concerning gravity and motion?

Continuously falling toward a central body but moving fast enough sideways to miss it.

In the context of space motion, being in orbit is defined by a delicate balance between gravitational attraction and sideways velocity. An object in orbit is constantly being pulled inward by the gravity of the larger central body, such as the Earth or Sun. However, its tangential speed is sufficient such that instead of crashing into the central mass, it continuously curves around it, effectively falling around the body. This state is referred to as perpetual freefall around the planet or moon. The precise trajectory, whether nearly circular or highly elliptical, is determined by the interplay of the gravitational force, the object's position, and its velocity vector at any given moment.