This review highlights the rapid development of the field of bacterial communication, known as quorum sensing (QS), and its implications for understanding bacterial sociality and developing new treatments for infectious diseases. QS involves the production and detection of extracellular chemical signals by bacteria, which can accumulate to levels that activate specific genes, coordinating bacterial activities such as virulence factor production. The review discusses the genetic, genomic, and biochemical advances in QS research, including the discovery of diverse signaling systems and the connection between QS and bacterial sociality. It also explores the potential of QS inhibitors as therapeutic agents, addressing challenges such as potency, delivery, toxicity, and resistance. The review emphasizes the importance of studying QS in natural habitats, where complex microbial communities and spatial structures play crucial roles. Additionally, it discusses the role of orphan LuxR homologs, the link between QS and microbial biogeography, and the therapeutic potential of quorum quenching. The authors conclude by highlighting the need for continued research to understand the complex dynamics of bacterial communication and social interactions, and to develop effective strategies for treating antimicrobial-resistant infections.This review highlights the rapid development of the field of bacterial communication, known as quorum sensing (QS), and its implications for understanding bacterial sociality and developing new treatments for infectious diseases. QS involves the production and detection of extracellular chemical signals by bacteria, which can accumulate to levels that activate specific genes, coordinating bacterial activities such as virulence factor production. The review discusses the genetic, genomic, and biochemical advances in QS research, including the discovery of diverse signaling systems and the connection between QS and bacterial sociality. It also explores the potential of QS inhibitors as therapeutic agents, addressing challenges such as potency, delivery, toxicity, and resistance. The review emphasizes the importance of studying QS in natural habitats, where complex microbial communities and spatial structures play crucial roles. Additionally, it discusses the role of orphan LuxR homologs, the link between QS and microbial biogeography, and the therapeutic potential of quorum quenching. The authors conclude by highlighting the need for continued research to understand the complex dynamics of bacterial communication and social interactions, and to develop effective strategies for treating antimicrobial-resistant infections.