NEC 210.12(A)

[anbm]

NEC 210.12 (A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6).

Are the lights located in above listed rooms considered "outlets"?

 

[GoldDigger]

The place where each light is connected to the building wiring system, or where a provision is made for such a connection to be made later, is an outlet, as is each receptacle and each direct wired connection to a load other than lights or receptacles.
Again, the outlet is the demarcation point between the building wiring system and utilization equipment.
Some will argue that it is not an outlet unless something is actually connected to it, but I do not support that view.

 

[tom baker]

The place where each light is connected to the building wiring system, or where a provision is made for such a connection to be made later, is an outlet, as is each receptacle and each direct wired connection to a load other than lights or receptacles.
Again, the outlet is the demarcation point between the building wiring system and utilization equipment.
Some will argue that it is not an outlet unless something is actually connected to it, but I do not support that view.

While the nec requires a switched lighting outlet in some rooms. there is no requrement for a light to be installed. The nec is clear an outlet requires AFCI protection.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is the definition of an outlet. You can see that a box in the ceiling designed to provide power to a light is an outlet. Specifically it is a lighting outlet

Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken
to supply utilization equipment. (CMP-1)

Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection
of a lampholder or luminaire. (CMP-18