For almost three decades neutral hydrogen moving at velocities unexplicable by galactic rotation has been observed. These so-called high-velocity clouds (HVCs) have been invoked as evidence for infall of neutral gas to the galaxy, as manifestations of a galactic fountain, as energy source for the formation of supershells, etc. No general consensus about their origin has presently been reached. However, it is becoming clear that no single model will suffice to explain all HVCs. A number of clouds may consist of material streaming toward the galactic center, as Mirabel (this conference) has advocated for several years, though their origin still remains unclear. A better understanding is mainly hampered by the fact that the distance remains unknown. An overview of the current status of the distance problem is given by van Woerden elsewhere in this volume.