Kiting refers to running away from an enemy (akin to flying a kite) while attacking. Basically if you can outrun a melee attacker, you take no damage. Stuns, snares, and other control abilities aid in kiting by slowing down your opponent and allowing you to keep your distance.

Another form of kiting could be backpeddling. Basically you're constantly walking backwards facing your enemy hitting them when they get close enough but keeping out of their reach.