What is a ‘third-party’ candidate?

VOA News: What is a ‘third-party’ candidate? 

The United States has two main political parties – Democrat and Republican. A third-party candidate is a term used for someone who runs as a candidate for a party that forms outside of the two main political parties. A third party is most often discussed during a presidential campaign. 

USCIS 100:45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?* 

USCIS 100:46. What is the political party of the President now?