You certainly can buy a domain name without web hosting. You simply need to register the domain name you want, and you will be the owner of the domain name as long as you continue to renew your domain name registration.
There are many benefits to buying a domain without website hosting. Every domain name is unique, which means that once you have registered a domain name, no other user can have the same domain name as you. It is beneficial to buy an available domain name to reserve for your future use.
Buying a domain name also allows you to maintain control over the domain and protect your brand identity. For example, if you own a business but are not ready to make a website, you can purchase the domain with your business name to prevent others from buying it. This can protect your brand from being diluted or tarnished by others. Buying multiple domain extensions (i.e. the last part of a domain name like .com, .net, .ca, etc.) with your brand name is another way to protect your brand identity.
At Doteasy, you can buy a domain name starting at $8.50/year. Domains at Doteasy also include free domain privacy protection, domain forwarding, advanced DNS controls, and a free parked page.