1. Belonging to or connected to something: This is the most common meaning.
* Darling: Someone beloved or cherished (from "dear").
* Underling: Someone of lower rank or status.
* Earthling: A human or inhabitant of Earth.
2. Young or small:
* Gosling: A young goose.
* Duckling: A young duck.
* Yearling: An animal that is one year old.
3. Something or someone that is:
* Stripling: A young man.
* Foundling: A child found abandoned.
* Newborn: A baby newly born.
4. State or action:
* Dwelling: A place of residence.
* Shilling: A former British coin.
* Travelling: The act of traveling.
The meaning of "-ling" can often be determined by the context of the word it is attached to.