Final answer:
The common term for sending short messages from cell phones is texting, which has surpassed traditional phone calls in popularity and become especially prevalent among younger users.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common term for sending short text messages from cell phones is known as texting. Over time, as cell phone usage became more prevalent, texting emerged as a discrete and convenient way to communicate without having to engage in phone conversations which could be disruptive in public settings. According to a 2020 survey, more than half of mobile phone users prefer messaging over making phone calls. This shift in communication preference is especially noticeable among younger generations, for whom digital communication, including texting, has become a primary mode of social interaction.