Many stereotypes of gothic exist these days. It seems everyone has their own way to define 'what is gothic'. From the stereotypes based on gothic clothing to gothic music right up to the stereotypes of all gothic lifesytle being satanists or part of some kind of cult. Categorically, all of these are false.

The gothic scene is just as widely varied as society in general. There are many different professions represented in the scene, from highly skilled professionals like doctors and lawyers, to tradesman, to technically minded people to clerical workers. Many different musical tastes exist. The gothic fashion varies vastly from gothic to gothic from the traditional flowing victorian style gothic garments to the buckled and studded gothic style regalia.