There is not one definition for it. It refers to all styles of dance performed in all countries in the Middle East.
Sometimes it is referred to as Belly Dance. However; that is only branch of the Middle Eastern Dance.
In the Arabic culture, belly dance is known as Oriental Dance. In the Persian culture it is known as Arabic dance.
"Note: The Middle East is a loosely defined geographic region. Most of the Middle East countries are part of the Asia,
with the exception of Egypt, which is part of Africa, and the northwestern part of Turkey, which is part of the
European landmass." per http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/middleeast.html.
Map
Here are some links that define and explain this form of dance in details:
Belly Dance: Orientalism and Self-Exoticism An Essay by Anthony Shay and Barbara Sellers Young.
The International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance
Egyptian Dance
Persian Dance defined by Robyn Friend, Phd.
History of Persian Dance Nima Kian's srticles on Persian dance.
What is Middle Eastern Dance by Shira
