The terms Latino and Latina are used to describe people of Latin American descent. "Latino" is generally used as a masculine term, while "Latina" is feminine. These terms encompass a wide variety of cultures and nationalities, including, but not limited to, those from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards using the gender-neutral term "Latinx" to include individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. Additionally, the term "Hispanic" is often used interchangeably with Latino/a, though it specifically refers to Spanish-speaking populations and does not necessarily encompass all Latin Americans.
Overall, these terms are used to foster a sense of identity and community among individuals of Latin American heritage, though their usage can vary by individual preference and context.