Rave music consists of forms of electronic dance music that are associated especially with the late 80s-early 90s rave scene and currently part of the underground Dance music world.

Most often, the term is used to describe high in energy music that features samples, loops and synthesizers. Dominant styles popularly associated with the original Rave scene included Breakbeat / Acid House, and some forms of trance music can also be included. Less intense forms of rave music include ambient techno, and chillout music, usually used in separate areas of raves known as "chill rooms" that provide a place for "ravers" to rest and relax from the intense dancing and MDMA adulterant overdoses/water intoxication.

The original Rave subculture in Europe (and especially the UK) was mirrored in and initially had much relation to the Crusty culture that emerged in the 80s. It soon spread to the U.S. and other places. Anti-Establishment partygoers/ Neo-Hippies/ New Age Travellers would organise impromptu, illegal free party gatherings in fields or warehouses before media attention and government crackdowns forced the rave scene to legitimize itself in large-scale clubs, and with drug consumption became more hedonistic than idealistic.