On the topic of spacetime

Jeff asked: "What's all this spacetime business?"
So here's my explanation:

"The fabric of spacetime" is the way that scientists talk about the cohesive force or conceptual "fabric" that keeps interstellar matter, planets and even light bound within a three-dimensional matrix (instead of just rocketing off into whatever direction at limitless speed). In order for planets to revolve around stars/ waves of gas and dust and plasma to arc around central stars in nebulae/ and galaxies to maintain their integrity, there would seem to have to be a cohesive force that regulates and gives shape to these behaviors.

Black holes, being so dense (materially) and heavy (gravitationally), would be able to warp this force by bending light and other electromagnetic emissions, and perhaps change the uniform flow or "texture" of spacetime. Sort of like pulling on nylon stockings with two fingers and then when you let go, there's a rumple or dimple that won't go away. Thus, the "dent" that is being referred to in this story... which I didn't write, of course; it's from a news service.