molecular recognition

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.08187
Attraction between specific molecules through noncovalent interactions that often exhibit electrostatic and stereochemical complementarity between the partners.
Note:
The partners are usually designated as host and guest, where the host recognizes and binds the guest with high selectivity over other molecules of similar size and shape.
Source:
PAC, 2022, 94, 353. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)) on page 468 [Terms] [Paper]