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There are many types. Most would class as a light javelin and were weighted near the point to give more penetration. Used heavily by Romans as a more ranged weapon alternative to simply carrying two pillae as they could carry 5 of these lighter versions, but didn't work well standing off calvary charges. I have always considered D&D darts to refer to something much shorter, like a heavy crossbow bolt, but designed to be thrown by pulling them directly from your quiver and throwing them by hand. Thus the varying descriptions and rules as are really two different things. The shorter variety were a historical weapon used by young, new combatants to attack enemy lines, along with slingers, javelin throwers, and light bow, prior to a pitched battle. Less range than the others, but greater rate of fire and required much less skill when aiming at large targets. Generally appear to have been similar to crossbow bolts, but maybe with longer and thinner heads and 6 inches or more of handle just past the fletching and thrown overhead, but unlike a dagger , the feathers force it to fly straight and point first. Not great range, but often used in large groups so just throwing up and in the right general direction at a mass of people. I've been told they could get about 100 meters effective range that way with enough practice, but uncertain about exact range and i agree their range with specific targets would be much less. without a machine to gie them force and velocity, they drop pretty fast, but they are indeed a rapid fire simple weapon. If light enough one could even throw more than one at a time if targeting a large group. Try looking up lawn darts for a modern equivalent. If you don't think they look like effective weapons, then try looking up how many people have accidentally killed or severely injured one another with them, without even trying, albeit, not wearing armor at the time. Important point of interest is that they could easily be fired one handed while holding a shield, so they were a favored form of archery for light cavalry in some historical cultures. Trying to recall which, but am thinking the Eastern Roman Empire used them as archery supplement for cavalry, as they could get close enough to launch a volley, then gallop away or on past enemy and repeat.