Loitering is the act of remaining in a particular public place for a protracted time, without any apparent purpose. In some jurisdictions, the definition of loitering may include indoor littering, and wearing of masks or disguises in public, such as New York. Loitering is the act of remaining in a particular public place for a protracted time, without any apparent purpose. In some jurisdictions, the definition of loitering may include indoor littering, and wearing of masks or disguises in public, such as New York.