What exactly is shipping?

Shippings are made up couples for various characters. Most are made up(ex. May and Ash), while some are possible because of a little quote or action. (example for Misty and Ash: Misty said to Ash, "You and I will be married someday too." Shown bellow) If the pairing is actually true and just kiss or (sometimes) they go on a date, then it's an actual pairing.

Parrings, couples.. Oh yeah, and it's not just Pokemon.