An important reason for the century-long debate concerning wetting dynamics is the lack of decisive information about the contact line. The contact line cannot be treated as a geometric line but is rather a region with complex structures. The contact line regions have been intensively explored in recent years by utilizing advanced nanoscopic experimental and modeling methods. This feature article summarizes the primary observation results and related modeling progress. A framework is then proposed for understanding the wetting dynamics. Basic questions are raised for future research on the partial wetting of nonvolatile as well as volatile liquids.