What does a 'pending payment' in PayPal mean?

[owensreed]

I purchased an item and paid almost immediately, but the instead of going through it was listed as 'pending'. The seller has not responded to any of my messages asking for clarification.

[*sparklz*]

If you paid via paypal from your bank account the payment is going as an echeque and will take 5 or so days to clear.

or

If the seller has not got that email addy attached to their PP account it will show as unclaimed in you PP account.

or

The seller has made a typo in the details so it will show as unclaimed your end in your PP account.

Copy and paste the details and send it to the seller asking if the details are correct if it is showing as unclaimed.

If the seller tells you there is a problem with their PP account and to pay into their bank account then cancel the payment and tell the seller you will repay via paypal when they get their account sorted out.

DO NOT pay by bank deposit as this is an old scam as you can not get your money back if there is a problem with the transaction.