What is the term for the blinking dash or small rectangle on a computer screen that shows where data will be entered?

The term used to refer to the blinking dash or small rectangle on a computer screen that indicates where data will be entered is the cursor. The cursor serves as a visual marker to let users know their current position within the text field or document, allowing them to see where their next input will appear. It can take various forms, such as an arrow for selecting items or a vertical line (also known as a caret) for text editing, but its primary function remains the same: to facilitate user interaction with the computer interface.

Regarding the other options, "pause/break" refers to a key on the keyboard that is used to interrupt a process, "icon" usually denotes a small graphic representation of a program or file, and "page-up" typically refers to a key that allows the user to scroll up a page within a document or web page. Each of these terms has its distinct purpose and does not relate to the functionality of indicating data entry position like the cursor does.