How are skew lines best characterized?

Skew lines are best characterized as lines that are on different planes and never intersect. This distinction is important because it highlights that skew lines are not confined to the same geometric constraints as parallel lines, which remain equidistant and never meet within the same plane. The definition of skew lines specifically emphasizes their relationship across separate planes, allowing them to avoid intersecting entirely.

In contrast, other configurations such as parallel lines occur within the same plane and are aligned in such a way that they have no point of intersection. Lines that intersect at multiple points would not be classified as skew, as they would not maintain the characteristic of never meeting. Thus, option B accurately captures the unique relationship that defines skew lines.