Error Message: <span> vs <label>

Question

When you display an error message in HTML, which element do you use, <span> or <label>?

Can you list some pros and cons for each of them, assuming that some styling, such as color and margin will be applied through their class?

Answer 1

Assuming you mean an error message associated with a specific form control, use a <label>.

The semantic arguments are subject to debate, as they aren't clear cut in this case, but the practical arguments win quite nicely. If a screen reader is in forms mode, it may skip over non-label text thus hiding the error messages from the user.

Answer 2

Either can be used and both can be styled. I think the discussion will be about symantically which is more clear. I think of label elements as being associated with describing what a particular input element's intent. I don't feel displaying error info fits this and prefer the span.