What term describes playing notes in a detached manner?

The term that describes playing notes in a detached manner is staccato. When musicians play staccato, each note is played sharply and distinctly, with a noticeable separation between them. This technique creates a light and crisp sound, contrasting with legato playing, where notes are smoothly connected.

In musical notation, staccato is often indicated by a dot placed above or below the note, signaling the performer to reduce the duration of the note and separate it from the next. This technique is commonly used in various musical styles to add texture and articulation, making it a fundamental aspect of performance and expression in music.

Other options like rubato, which refers to a flexible tempo, slur, which indicates a smooth, connected manner of playing, and andante, which describes a moderate tempo, do not relate to the detached nature of staccato playing.