What is the term used when a subject seems to move spontaneously between shots in editing?

The term that describes when a subject appears to move spontaneously between shots in editing is a jump cut. This technique involves cutting out sections of time from a single continuous shot, creating a jarring or noticeable transition. The result is that the subject's motion can appear abrupt or disjointed, enhancing the perception of movement and tempo. This method can bring an element of surprise to the viewer or be used stylistically to convey certain emotions or narrative techniques.

In contrast, a cutaway typically refers to a shot that interrupts the main action to show something else, which might be related or provide context to the story. A match cut serves to connect two different scenes through a visual or thematic similarity, creating a smoother transition that enhances continuity. A fade transition, on the other hand, involves gradually moving from one scene to another through a dissolve effect, giving a soft or smooth change rather than a sudden one.