A Discussion On Handling Donk Bets

Seems like donk bets are happening more and more. Sometimes I see them offered as advice in the forum. In general what does a donk bet mean (sign of weakness)?


Party Poker (9 handed) FTR converter on zerodivide.cx

Preflop: Hero is Button with A[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img], J[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img].
<font color="#666666">[i]4 folds 1 limp, Hero raises, 3 call
Flop: Q[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], 4[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], 4[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(5 players)
SB checks, BB checks, MP3 bets, Hero folds, SB folds, BB folds, MP3 wins.

I am now seeing players who donk bet with the intention of 3 betting when they hit a monster.

What are some general rules when facing donk bets in different situations?