A method for sending a message, the method being applied in a terminal containing a touch screen, and the method being characterized in comprising steps of: acquiring (101, 201) an operation signal triggered by a single operation performed by a user on the touch screen, the single operation being an operation performed during a period from a pointer device contacting the touch screen to the pointer device leaving the touch screen, the single operation comprising at least one kind of sub-operation; and determining (102, 202) a sending time of the message according to the operation signal, wherein the sub-operation is a slide operation or a stopover operation, and the acquiring (101, 201) step comprises: recording a sub-operation signal corresponding to each of the at least one sub-operation of the single operation; and combining the at least one sub-operation signal according to a performing sequence of the at least one sub-operation to form the operation signal corresponding to the single operation; wherein the method further comprises: after the single operation is finished, displaying an inquiring message to detect whether a confirmation signal is received, said confirmation signal being for confirming that the sending time determined according to the operation signal is accurate, when a signal triggered by a user tapping of a yes option for the inquiring message is received, determining that the confirmation signal is received; when a signal triggered by a user tapping of a no option for the inquiring message is received, determining that the confirmation signal is not received; if it is detected that the confirmation signal is received, obtaining and sending the message when it is monitored that system time of the terminal reaches the sending time; and if it is detected that the confirmation signal is not received and that a new operation signal is acquired, determining the sending time according to the new operation signal. acquiring (101, 201) an operation signal triggered by a single operation performed by a user on the touch screen, the single operation being an operation performed during a period from a pointer device contacting the touch screen to the pointer device leaving the touch screen, the single operation comprising at least one kind of sub-operation; and determining (102, 202) a sending time of the message according to the operation signal, wherein the sub-operation is a slide operation or a stopover operation, and the acquiring (101, 201) step comprises: recording a sub-operation signal corresponding to each of the at least one sub-operation of the single operation; and combining the at least one sub-operation signal according to a performing sequence of the at least one sub-operation to form the operation signal corresponding to the single operation; recording a sub-operation signal corresponding to each of the at least one sub-operation of the single operation; and combining the at least one sub-operation signal according to a performing sequence of the at least one sub-operation to form the operation signal corresponding to the single operation; wherein the method further comprises: after the single operation is finished, displaying an inquiring message to detect whether a confirmation signal is received, said confirmation signal being for confirming that the sending time determined according to the operation signal is accurate, when a signal triggered by a user tapping of a yes option for the inquiring message is received, determining that the confirmation signal is received; when a signal triggered by a user tapping of a no option for the inquiring message is received, determining that the confirmation signal is not received; if it is detected that the confirmation signal is received, obtaining and sending the message when it is monitored that system time of the terminal reaches the sending time; and if it is detected that the confirmation signal is not received and that a new operation signal is acquired, determining the sending time according to the new operation signal. after the single operation is finished, displaying an inquiring message to detect whether a confirmation signal is received, said confirmation signal being for confirming that the sending time determined according to the operation signal is accurate, when a signal triggered by a user tapping of a yes option for the inquiring message is received, determining that the confirmation signal is received; when a signal triggered by a user tapping of a no option for the inquiring message is received, determining that the confirmation signal is not received; if it is detected that the confirmation signal is received, obtaining and sending the message when it is monitored that system time of the terminal reaches the sending time; and if it is detected that the confirmation signal is not received and that a new operation signal is acquired, determining the sending time according to the new operation signal.