Symbolic Dream Interpretation Library

Crowd of people

Dreaming of a crowd of people in front of you signifies the anticipation of important news or announcements that will greatly impact your life. It symbolizes curiosity and eagerness to stay informed. However, the dream may also evoke feelings of loneliness and a lack of support during challenging times. It serves as a reminder to seek meaningful connections and cultivate a supportive network. Trust your intuition when interpreting dreams and take proactive steps to surround yourself with supportive people. Embrace the lessons from this dream and harness the power of human connection to navigate through challenging situations and find the support you need.

Being among a crowd of people

Having this dream symbolizes an impending revelation of highly personal news that will undoubtedly leave you surprised or even astonished. The symbolic gathering of people embodies the anticipation and excitement associated with receiving unexpected information that will have a profound impact on your life. By decoding this dream imagery, we gain valuable insights into the enigmatic realm of dream interpretation, unraveling the mysteries of our subconscious thoughts and emotions.

A lot of people participating in a meeting or a party

Seeing a lot of people participating in a meeting or a party in your dream symbolizes your ability and striving to keep good relationships with your friends or people you know.

If you are seeing a lot of people participating in a party or a meeting when something went wrong and people got disappointed, this can be a sign of losing one of your friends. This dream can also be telling you about some family issues or conflicts as well as social unrest and instability you are about to witness.

People walking towards you

Encountering a dream where people are converging towards you unfolds a meaningful symbol, hinting at the potential for calumny or slander stemming from inappropriate conduct exhibited by someone within your circle. Just as individuals approach you in your dream, your subconscious offers a forewarning of possible negative consequences due to the actions of a familiar individual. By interpreting this symbol, you're guided to address these situations with prudence and a discerning eye, recognizing the importance of maintaining your integrity in the face of potential falsehoods.

Being in a crowd of people celebrating

Experiencing a dream when you are a part of a crowd of people celebrating a big event and being cheerful about it predicts receiving very favorable news which are personally important to you.

People in a line

Seeing people lined up while waiting for something, for example at a store checkout or in front of a movie theater predicts possible delays, ruined expectations or other troubles happening in your real life.

Aggressive or agitated crowd of people

Seeing a restless, aggressive and agitated crowd of people in your dream, for example when this crowd is trying to destroy or burn something, predicts very negative and unfavorable news coming your way.

Calm and peaceful crowd of people

Dreaming of observing a serene and joyful crowd of people celebrating signifies forthcoming exciting and positive news headed your way. This dream is a harbinger of good tidings and may indicate a period of happiness, achievement, or celebration in your waking life. It's a positive sign encouraging you to anticipate a time of joy and fulfillment, so keep an eye out for opportunities and reasons to celebrate.

People visiting you

Having people over for a visit in your dream indicates that your managers or supervisors are looking for a meeting to discuss job offers or promotions, which could be very beneficial and worthy of your attention.

A circle of unfamiliar people

Experiencing a dream about unfamiliar people sitting together or socializing, for example at a party, is a sign of potential profit or acquisition in your business activity or professional life.

People seated

Dreaming of people seated, whether it be at a performance or a movie, is an auspicious sign indicating the arrival of positive news in your life. This dream suggests that you can expect pleasant surprises and favorable developments in various aspects of your life. It may signify an upcoming opportunity, a joyful event, or a small but significant achievement that will bring happiness and fulfillment. Stay open to the possibilities that lie ahead and embrace the positive energy flowing into your life. Exciting times are on the horizon, ready to uplift your spirits and bring you joy.

Unfamiliar people

Seeing or dealing with unfamiliar people in your dream is a symbol of strong communication with your colleagues or partners you are about to go through or experience in order to achieve your goals and aspirations.

Taking a walk with people who are close to you

Having a dream about taking a walk with people who are very close to you, for example your spouse, portends some misfortunate events or circumstances you are about to become a victim of.

People represented by mythological or legendary characters

Dreaming about a crowd of people which consists of mythological or legendary male or female characters signifies your strong belief in traditional values and the traditional approach you exercise in dealing with things or people around you.

Old people

When you dream of a group of old people gathered right in front of you, it carries both positive and cautionary symbolism. This captivating dream signifies the potential for a long life ahead, a blessing of longevity. Embrace this vision as a positive sign, indicating the potential for a rich and fulfilling journey that spans many years. It is a reminder to value and cherish the gift of life and make the most of every precious moment. However, it's important to note that dreaming about old people gathered together can also serve as a warning of unfavorable events or circumstances. These situations may not align with your desired outcomes or bring the benefits you anticipated. Use this dream as a call to action, prompting you to be proactive, adaptable, and resilient in the face of challenges. By staying vigilant and making conscious choices, you can navigate through these unfavorable circumstances and work towards creating a future that aligns with your aspirations.

People in chains

Imagine a dream unfolding like a captivating tableau, where you find yourself amidst a haunting scene of individuals bound by chains or tethered to a desolate wall. The clinking of metal links echoes through the air, a somber reminder of the impending danger that lurks in the shadows. In this surreal vision, a foreboding message emerges, warning you of a perilous situation that may ensnare your dear friends or close relatives. Their fate intertwined with the unfolding events, they too may become entangled in the web of uncertainty. Take heed of this symbolic imagery, for it serves as a call to action, urging you to be vigilant and protective. Through your watchful eye and unwavering support, you have the power to guide them towards safety and shield them from harm's reach.

Young people

Dreaming about younger people gathered together signifies something favorable or positive which is about to happen in your life, which may lead to a joyful and exciting existence you are about to experience.

Sad-looking people

Dreaming about sad-looking or disappointed people can indeed be a warning sign of potential conflicts or challenges that lie ahead. The emotions portrayed by these individuals in your dream may represent unresolved issues or tensions in your waking life. This dream could be urging you to pay attention to the relationships around you and address any underlying issues before they escalate. It may also indicate a need for empathy and understanding in your interactions with others. Remember, open communication and a willingness to find solutions can be powerful tools in overcoming any hassles that come your way.

Loved ones from the past in the house

I was in a home, and something was going on with the rain. A lot of people were there. I started crying loudly, with all I had. Nobody noticed. Then, I was in a place at night getting ready for bed. I was in the bathroom looking at the tub. I was going to say goodnight to my father who has passed on when my mother stopped and told me to leave dad be. I headed to the next room seeing clumps of cat hair from the cat I had many years ago. I dropped my cell phone along the way and my mom threw it at me. Then I woke up.

Being in the home but knowing that it is raining outside could indicate dangerous people or situations encroaching on your personal life. Crying, in this case, represents the release of stress, tension, or anxiety caused by a build-up of negative emotion, probably as a result of sensing the imminent threat. The next most prominent symbol is seeing your departed father, which is often interpreted as a sign of having unfinished business. In the context of this vision, whatever you have put off or forgotten to do could be coming back to haunt you. Taking care of this task, then, may help reverse the situation and give you peace of mind and closure you are seeking.

Angry or distraught crowd of people

Having a dream about an angry, unrest or distraught crowd of people is a sign of upcoming upheaval within your social strata or in your community, things like a civil war, armed rebellion or other unpleasant events or circumstances.

Noble people visiting you

Experiencing a dream about noble and distinguished people paying you a visit is a good sign of misfortune or bad luck parting you which will leave you joyous and happy for quite a while.

Village people

Encountering a gathering of villagers within the realm of your dreams symbolizes a forthcoming era of bliss and prosperity, destined to grace your life for an extended duration. During this magnificent period, you will have the privilege of relishing an abundance of joy and material wealth. The jubilant ambiance created by the crowd in your dream serves as a harbinger of delightful times ahead, ensuring that your subconscious envisions an era filled with contentment and prosperity.

A crowd of people on the street

Dreaming of crowds of people on the street can indeed be a positive sign, indicating the potential for extraordinary success in your business endeavors. This dream suggests that your business is thriving, and you may experience increased wealth and prosperity as a result of this success. It reflects the positive attention and recognition you're receiving from the public or your target audience. It's a symbol of your hard work paying off and the potential for your business or career to flourish. Embrace this positive energy and keep working diligently towards your goals.

Being respectful toward older people

Dreaming of showing respect and reverence towards senior citizens or older individuals is a positive sign. This dream suggests that you will find happiness and joy in your life, possibly through the wisdom and guidance of those who are older and more experienced. It reflects a harmonious and respectful attitude that will bring positive outcomes and rewarding relationships. Embrace the values of respect and reverence, as they can lead to fulfilling experiences and meaningful connections in your life.

Fat and skinny people staring

I have a dream where these people are staring at me in the hallway of my own home, these people are either really skinny or really fat. There is no one in between.

Thin people tend to represent others in your life going through difficult or troubling times. You may have friends who are suffering under the weight of debt or dealing with serious medical conditions. While you may want to help, there is very little you can do. This is contrasted with the image of fat people, a sign symbolically linked with the idea of other friends experiencing great joy in their lives either due to marriage, new jobs, or other fortuitous circumstances. These people staring at you but not interfering with you at all suggest that, whether you experience happiness or hardship, no one can do more to influence the course of your life than you.

Your neighbors as a crowd of people

Encountering a crowd of your neighbors in a dream, with them confronting you, is an auspicious sign of imminent happiness and a renewed sense of well-being that will grace your life. This dream hints at positive and joyful experiences on the horizon, bringing with them a vibrant energy and a sense of community. Prepare yourself for the delightful surprises and connections that await, as your interactions with those around you become a source of fulfillment and contentment.

People led by a woman

Dreams of a female taking charge or leading a crowd can carry various interpretations. It may signify potential issues related to jealousy or rivalry in your life, possibly involving a desire for recognition or competition. Alternatively, this dream can reflect your maternal instincts and a yearning to nurture and care for others. The interpretation depends on your personal circumstances and emotions, encouraging self-reflection to understand the message the dream conveys.

Happy people

If you find yourself immersed in a dream filled with joyous and optimistic individuals, consider it an auspicious indication of the abundance and prosperity that awaits you. Such dreams can be interpreted as a promising sign of wealth and affluence that are poised to enter your life. These visions of happy and cheerful people within your subconscious realm are symbolic representations of the positive energy and financial blessings that are set to manifest in your waking reality. By experiencing dreams characterized by such uplifting scenes, you are being given a glimpse into the prosperous future that lies ahead.

A crowd of noble people

Experiencing a dream about a gathering or get-together of many noble people is a promise of happiness and joy awaiting you to make your life more self-fulfilled and worth the efforts you are attempting.

Visiting famous people

I visited the home of JK Rowlings in Iowa, and another famous person came too, and I also visited another famous person in their home in Connecticut. Can't remember other famous people.

Dreaming of visiting and being in a celebrity's house may seem like a fun, exciting experience, however, this vision actually suggests you are about to receive some advice or information which, if followed, may have disastrous effects on your life. This knowledge may have been given in good faith, indicating the other party was either misinformed or does not understand your needs specifically. On the other hand, this inaccurate data may have been planted intentionally to get you to take a certain course of action that hurts you and benefits someone else. You may want to think twice about how you respond to and act on any information you receive in the near future. Additionally, this vision may symbolize facing a terrible situation where the odds are stacked against you. However, this is likely to last only a short amount of time, with things returning to normal slowly thereafter.

People as part of a church crowd

If you find yourself envisioning a gathering of individuals within the setting of a church during your dream, it could potentially signify forthcoming challenges or concerns that are poised to make their way into your life. This intriguing dream scenario holds significant implications for the future, hinting at the arrival of potential troubles or issues on the horizon. By delving into the symbolism of dreams featuring a church crowd, we can unravel the profound messages embedded within the subconscious realm, shedding light on the impending obstacles that may come our way. Stay attuned to the signs that dreams offer, as they serve as valuable guides in navigating life's twists and turns.

People in black clothes

Seeing people dressed in black clothes holds significant symbolism, indicating potential upcoming bad news or events that may lead to disappointment. This intriguing vision serves as a cautionary sign, prompting you to be prepared for challenging circumstances in life. While the sight of people in black attire may evoke unease, it reminds you to remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity. Navigate through difficult situations with grace, seeking support from loved ones and practicing self-care. Maintain a positive mindset, knowing that growth and new opportunities can emerge even in difficult times. Trust in your inner strength and stay hopeful for brighter days ahead.

Slim people

Dreams where you find yourself encircled by a group of slim individuals may symbolize concerns about possible periods of financial shortage or the challenges of meeting your household's needs. It serves as a subconscious signal to remain vigilant about your financial planning and resource allocation, ensuring you can provide adequately for your family during times of economic uncertainty. These dreams encourage you to be prudent and resourceful in managing your finances to maintain stability and security in your home.

Fearful people

Dreaming about fearful or threatened people could indeed reflect a subconscious awareness of potential challenges or obstacles related to a goal or aspiration. It may be a reminder to approach your objectives with caution and careful planning to mitigate any risks or difficulties that might arise. However, dreams are highly individual and can carry various personal meanings, so it's essential to consider the specific context of the dream and your own emotions and experiences when interpreting its significance.

Making people cry when parting

Hi! I dreamt about being in a position where I was about to separate from a group of people. I was emotionally touched in the dream, though I felt important to go. Tears were flowing from people's eyes because I was about to go. Please could you tell me what that means?

Seeing others crying incessantly because they do not want you to part with them in your dream indicates your joyful existence or may mean that somebody feels very compassionate toward you. A great deal of happiness may enter your life or the lives of your dear friends resulting in an elevated sense of companionship, trust and cohesion. Since you did not specify your gender, dreams of this nature for a young woman can also mean disagreement or a fight with her loved one leading to quick reconciliation, only if she realizes that it was her fault. For salespeople, this dream vision may portend short-lived troubles or woes.

People admiring the house

There were many people at my house viewing and admiring my house. It's like some wanted to buy it. But was too many people who just appeared at the same time.

A dream in which you see people admiring your house as if they were interested in buying it could be representative of the current state of your life. It is possible there is something about your current living arrangements that you are not truly satisfied with. This, in turn, may be stressing you out and not allowing you to enjoy the other aspects of your life to the fullest. Until you decide to actively change whatever it is that is bothering you, you may find yourself unable to move forward.

People gathered en masse at a cultural event

Seeing a lot of people gathered in a mass at a cultural event or festivity is a sign of your upcoming participation in a meeting or becoming a member of some group or community with goals in mind matching your own.

Bearded people

Dreams featuring bearded individuals may be a reflection of your potential for impulsive and irrational behavior, particularly when faced with significant decisions in your life. This dream serves as a reminder to be mindful of your emotional responses and to approach crucial choices with greater thoughtfulness and deliberation. It encourages you to manage your anger and impulsiveness in order to make sound, well-considered decisions that will lead to more favorable outcomes.

Generous people

Dreams of encountering generous individuals who extend a helping hand are symbolic of the support and assistance you can anticipate during challenging or difficult times. These dreams suggest that help is on the way, and you will have the aid and encouragement you need to overcome adversity. It serves as a positive sign, highlighting the availability of a supportive network or resources that will be instrumental in guiding you through challenging periods.

Joyful people

Dreaming about being surrounded by joyful individuals is an auspicious sign, indicating good health and overall well-being in your life. However, it is important to note that such dreams can occasionally be accompanied by periods of sadness and dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, these dreams may also serve as a precursor to exciting social events that you are likely to be a part of, such as receiving invitations to parties or celebrations. Embracing these dreams and the experiences they foreshadow can add an extra touch of happiness and fulfillment to your life.

Boring people

In the realm of dream interpretation, experiencing boredom in the company of others can hold a profound meaning. It is often regarded as a symbolic manifestation of genuine concern and heartfelt sympathy towards another individual's adversity or difficult circumstances. This sentiment conveyed through our dreams signifies a deep sense of empathy and compassion for someone facing misfortune or hardship. The presence of such emotions within the dream world may offer valuable insights into our subconscious psyche, allowing us to explore our innate capacity for understanding and support.

Naked people

Seeing naked people in your dream signifies backbiting and unnecessary gossip going on behind your back, which may ruin your reputation or negatively affect you otherwise. Dreams of seeing naked people can carry various interpretations, and one common symbolic interpretation is related to vulnerability and exposure rather than gossip or backbiting. Nakedness in dreams often represents feelings of being exposed or vulnerable in a situation.

People mourning or in funeral clothes

Having a dream about people wearing funeral clothes or mourning about someone passing away predicts bad news, which you are about to hear, and which will greatly disappoint you.

Being a part of an enormous crowd

Dreaming of being engulfed by a vast crowd of people serves as a cautionary sign, suggesting the potential risk of losing your autonomy and succumbing to external pressures. This dream symbolizes the need to be vigilant about maintaining your individuality and not allowing the opinions or desires of others to overshadow your own needs and aspirations. It's a reminder to stay true to your principles and avoid compromising your values for the sake of conformity. While interactions and connections with others are valuable, this dream underscores the importance of preserving your sense of self and making choices that align with your personal goals.

People led by a man

Dreaming about people led or represented by a man signifies potential fulfillment of your expectations and hopes, receiving help from other people. It can also mean being annoyed or bothered by people involved in your life.

A crowd of people represented by exotic men or women

Having a dream about people surrounding you who include exotic or aboriginal men or women indicates your illusions, erotic aspirations, some unexpected or unusual situations you are about to get involved with in your relationships with other people.

Bustling or scurrying people

Encountering a dream where a multitude of people bustle and scurry unfolds a revealing symbol, offering a unique insight into the days ahead. This vivid imagery is akin to a glimpse into a hive of activity, signifying an impending period brimming with everyday tasks and responsibilities. Just as these individuals go about their tasks, so too will you immerse yourself in a series of obligations that demand your attention. By interpreting this symbol, you're encouraged to prepare for a phase of practical engagements. Similar to the dynamic interactions within your dream, your upcoming days will be marked by the orchestrated rhythm of attending to various mundane but necessary chores.

Being surrounded by people

Seeing people surrounding you in your dream signifies some exciting circumstances or developments which will be very interesting for you and engage you to actively participate in them because of that interest.

Impudent people

Dreams of impudent people that you are observing can symbolize feelings of vulnerability or the potential for slander and shame. This dream may reflect concerns about circumstances beyond your control that could lead to reputational harm or feelings of powerlessness. While dreams are subjective and symbolic, this one may prompt you to be cautious about situations in which you could be unfairly judged or criticized. It's important to address such concerns with resilience and self-assurance, seeking to protect your reputation and emotional well-being as best as you can.

Looking for someone and can't find them

Unable to locate someone who is hiding or lost predicts major conflict between you and this missing person. While you may already be fighting with this person, this dream imagery provides hope that your relationship can still be fixed. This also implies that a close friend is keeping a big secret from you. They could be ashamed about this secret or it may have something to do with you and they do not want to hurt you with this information.

People under various circumstances

Two tour buses passed me by with "Wild Horses Tour Taylor Swift" written on the side with a picture of a brown horse running wild. Also my granddaughter with white bird poop in her hair, my elderly friend behind me getting up from a fall but smiling saying she is fine and doesn't have her walking stick. And then actor Tyler Perry in a hat and sunglasses sitting in a lawn chair but when I get closer it is not him. My boyfriend hits a rabbit with a broom in the corner of the kitchen, his grandson morphs into my friend's grandson. I put on a red vest. My boyfriend wakes up searching for me. All in the same dream.

There are a lot of conflicting images and symbols in this dream, making it difficult to a singular conclusion. The multiple symbols in and of themselves may point to being extremely busy and possibly over-inundated with information. Seeing celebrities or their images, in this vision, may reflect your desire to be in front of a crowd. You may enjoy teaching or entertaining others, and you may even have a talent for getting people to listen to you. The red vest you put on at the end of the vision indicates acting with your heart more than your head. Finally, the older friend that you see in your vision could represent your own desire to keep pushing yourself to do your best, even without the support of others. If you strongly believe in your dreams and yourself, you may be able to achieve what you want with your own hands.

Meeting some people on the street

I was speeding in my car on a street. I crossed the street and on the other side, I saw an old friend. His car was parked backward. His engine was showing, and it seemed broken down. Next to him was a woman I knew as my boss. I said hi to them and walked into a clothes store. The store was not open to customers yet. My friend was in the store cuddling and talking to me. He told me I could do better and I said I had 2 jobs. We were happy. Outside I turned left on a corner. A door to the right had two females complaining about a man, I kept walking into a warehouse with boxes of stuff everywhere.

Although there are a lot of situations and people involved in this dream vision, there are certain aspects that reflect your personality and the way you interact with other people in your life. The notions of speeding and a warehouse filled with boxes reveal your outgoing personality, perhaps to the point when you want to make friends or get to know people better when they are not ready or shy away from you. You could also be prone to making decisions in your life in haste, without realizing that others might not like the way you act or they need some time before they can agree and accept your ways of doing things, as the store is not open for customers in this dream suggests. However, those whom you ultimately make friends or connect with, tend to remain on your side for a long time, and that's probably why you are so happy and content with this attitude and demeanor.

Being shunned by people

I am 63, I rarely dream any more, but today I had a nightmare. In it, I was being pursued by people, lots of people. In fact, it seemed like everyone was either after me or wanted nothing to do with me. They kept calling me a "Carcinogen". Now, I knew the word had something to do with cancer but it's such an uncommon word to me. I had to look it up after I woke up. In my dream it was like people thought I was a carcinogen, could cause harm, so they wanted me either dead or to stay away from them. I don't know what to think of my dream. I can't seem to get the word "carcinogen" out of my mind.

Being both chased and ignored are negative signs to see in a dream vision. Being chased predicts the rise of an enemy or rival who may cause disruptions or chaos in your life. This person may be someone completely new to you, like a neighbor who recently moved in or someone who joined your local church, or it may be someone you already know who has been a passive character until now. Being ignored suggests you often have negative thoughts or tend to be depressed. A new enemy could make you feel even worse than usual and bring out these traits more unless you focus your energy on positive ideas. While the word that carried much of the focus in your dream seemed unfamiliar to you, it is likely you did hear it recently, possibly in the news or in passing conversation and your subconscious picked up on it. This is supported by the perceived negative nature of the word and the traits discussed before. It may be wise to find ways to create more positive attitude and environment around yourself in the face of possible challenges.

Experiencing difficulties reaching out to a couple

I am searching for a couple to wish them a happy anniversary, facing many difficulties in finding them and finally found them.

Searching for people while facing difficulties in the process, but being able to locate them eventually could be considered a sign of progress you are making in your waking life. You may be accomplishing smaller goals that you have set for yourself. All of these could be steps towards achieving something much bigger than the sum of its parts.

People at random yelling

I was in a random house, I remember there was a long hallway it led to a room and there was a window in that room close to the ground, and outside of it this man was yelling and freaking out. I kept telling him to go away and I was yelling at him, the next part of the dream there was this teenage girl and she was also yelling. I ran into the room and tried telling her to stop, but I couldn't talk, so I was mouthing the words telling her to kill herself.

Visiting an unfamiliar abode is often associated with an upcoming encounter with someone new to you, however, it is likely this individual has had their eye on making your acquaintance for some time now. Despite their interest in you, the feelings may be one-sided, as being yelled at by strangers could point toward negative reactions to things this man (or woman) says or does. Being unable to reply to the man, but not the teenager later in the vision, may predict feelings of futility when it comes to removing this person from your life, suggesting you have come to terms with their presence or are too tired to fight their intrusion anymore.

Scared of people inhabiting the dream

I dreamed that I asked the people in my dream as they were strangers to identify themselves and who gave them permission to enter my dreams. I then woke with fright.

Meeting a stranger in a dream vision represents much the same in wake life. You may be about to see an influx in the number of people in your social circle or an increase in rivals. Given their unwanted, permitted existence in your dream, it seems more likely that you would not get along with these individuals right away, however, that does not necessarily make them your enemies. When you meet someone new, it would be wise to be cautious but courteous until you know the value and pleasure their friendship can add to your life.

Strong dislike toward people from the past

My fiance was with his ex, she convinced him to cut off his beard. I was pissed because I like his beard. When I tried to resolve it, I couldn't find him and realized he was with her and I was paranoid he might be cheating on me, but he wasn't. It hurt my feelings. In another dream, I was with my ex. He was trying to get me to perform music with him. He is now married, but in this dream, he was flirting with me and he disgusted me, but I played for him anyway. Both men have cheated on me.

Your first vision, which centers on your fear of your fiance cheating, suggests you are concerned about being around a certain individual or a group of people in the future. This is likely related to your wedding plans, so it seems you could be hesitant to invite some family members or a past "frenemy" who has rubbed you the wrong way. The second dream about playing music with your ex-boyfriend may represent an upcoming event that perplexes or surprises you. It is neither a positive nor a negative symbol. It only warns that you should anticipate the unexpected to happen.

Uninvited people staying over

Having uninvited guests in your house can sometimes refer to unwanted inconveniences. You might feel irritated over inefficient colleagues or tight deadlines. Perhaps you keep butting heads with a co-worker. Alternatively, this may point to unexpected information that gives you a great idea for a project or a business venture.