In negotiation, what term refers to the person or group you are negotiating with?

• A. Target
• B. Opposite
• C. Client
• D. Stakeholder

Answer: (B)

In negotiation, the person or group you’re negotiating with is called the other party, or more formally the counterpart. This term focuses on the role each side plays in the dialogue—two sides (or multiple sides in a multi-party talk) engaging to reach an agreement. It’s neutral and precise, which helps keep the conversation collaborative rather than adversarial.

The other options point to different ideas: a target is what you aim to achieve in the deal, a client is the party you provide a service to, and a stakeholder is anyone with an interest in the outcome. The word “opposite” isn’t standard as a label for the negotiating partner and can feel vague or overly combative, so it’s less effective for clearly identifying who you’re negotiating with.