A porch is a covered platform attached to the entrance of a house, usually at the front or back. Picture a floor that extends out from your house with a roof over it but no walls, creating a sheltered outdoor space where you can sit protected from rain or hot sun.

Porches became popular in America as places where families could relax outside in the evenings, talking with neighbors who walked by or watching the world go by. Before air conditioning, a shady porch with a breeze was often the coolest spot on a hot summer day. Many porches have railings around the edges and steps leading down to the yard or sidewalk.

A front porch faces the street and often has chairs or a swing where people can sit. A back porch is more private and might overlook a backyard. Some people call a porch a veranda if it's especially large and wraps around the house, or a stoop if it's just a small platform with steps and no roof.