What term is used to describe the period in Western Europe from about 500 CE to 1000 CE?

The term that accurately describes the period in Western Europe from about 500 CE to 1000 CE is the "Middle Ages." This era is characterized by significant social, political, and cultural changes following the decline of the Roman Empire. The term "Dark Ages" can sometimes be used synonymously with the early part of the Middle Ages, particularly to denote the perceived decline in cultural and economic activity; however, this term is often viewed as misleading and overly simplistic because it overlooks the continuity and developments that were occurring in various regions of Europe during this time.

In contrast, the Renaissance, which began in the late 14th century, signifies the revival of art, literature, and learning based on classical sources and is distinctly separate from the Middle Ages. The Classical Era refers to the period of ancient history marked by the cultures of Greece and Rome prior to the Middle Ages. Thus, the designation "Middle Ages" is the most accurate term for encompassing the entire period spanning roughly from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance.