Which type of bond is characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?

The type of bond characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms is known as a covalent bond. In a covalent bond, two atoms come together and share electrons in such a way that both atoms can achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling the electron arrangement of noble gases. This type of bonding typically occurs between nonmetal atoms with similar electronegativities, allowing them to effectively share their valence electrons.

In contrast, ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces. Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' that are not localized between specific atoms but are instead delocalized, allowing for properties such as electrical conductivity and malleability. Hydrogen bonds are a specific type of weak attraction that occurs between a hydrogen atom that is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom and another electronegative atom, but these do not involve sharing electron pairs like covalent bonds do.