RMS current represents the effective value of alternating current, which can be expressed as a phasor in AC circuits. While RMS is a scalar value, it can be associated with a phasor that includes a phase angle, indicating the relationship between voltage and current. In inductive circuits, the current lags behind the voltage due to self-inductance, which introduces a phase difference. The discussion emphasizes that the RMS value can be used to describe the magnitude of the phasor, but it does not inherently make RMS a phasor itself. Understanding the context and notation in textbooks is crucial for correctly interpreting these concepts.