What is the term for a reference to another text, person, or event?

The term for a reference to another text, person, or event is an allusion. An allusion is a literary device that enables the author to convey deeper meanings and themes by drawing connections to well-known figures, historical events, or other literary works. This technique not only enriches the text but also allows readers to engage more profoundly with the material by evoking shared knowledge or experiences.

In contrast, a quotation specifically involves directly citing someone's exact words, thereby not serving the broader purpose of referencing ideas or figures. Referencing is a more general term and does not capture the literary nuance of an allusion. Context refers to the surrounding circumstances or background information that informs the meaning of a text but does not specifically denote a reference to another work or person. Therefore, allusion is the precise term that captures the intentional reference to enrich the reader's understanding.