Zoning has to do with putting out attacks to keep the opponent in check and test their reactions. Think of it as controlling space: as in true combat, you cannot expect the enemy to know to stay out of your region of control unless you show that you control it.
Using a hit-and-run mentality, you utilize things like normal moves without much opening (weak attacks and punches), attacks with long reach (such as far standing attacks), projectiles, or rushing moves.
If an attack touches, you’ll be “cutting in”; if you intentionally whiff things, you’re “flashing” them.
Moves generally meant for zoning purposes can be called “zoning moves”.