What type of object is most closely associated with dense clusters of stars in galaxies?

Globular clusters are dense groups of stars that are gravitationally bound and typically contain thousands to hundreds of thousands of stars. These clusters exhibit a spherical shape and are often found in the halo of galaxies, including the Milky Way. The stars within globular clusters are generally very old, giving them a distinct set of properties compared to younger star clusters.

The dense concentration of stars in globular clusters allows astronomers to study stellar evolution and dynamics in a compact environment. Their formation is believed to have occurred early in the history of the universe, and they are often associated with older stellar populations. This association with older stars contributes to their high metallicity and distinctive color characteristics.

Although elliptical galaxies contain a vast number of stars and can be quite dense, they are not the individual objects referred to in the context of dense "clusters" of stars. Instead, they are large systems consisting of many globular clusters among other structures. Open clusters, on the other hand, are loose collections of stars that are typically found in the disk of a galaxy and are much less dense than globular clusters. Dark matter clumps refer to structures composed of dark matter, which, while influencing galaxy formation, do not consist of stars and therefore wouldn't fit the criteria of being associated