The most commonly used needlepoint stitch is the “continental” stitch, and is often referred to as the Tent Stitch although it is actually a member of the diagonally-worked tent stitch family - meaning the stitch is worked diagonally over one intersection of canvas mesh.
While on the front side of the canvas the stitch looks very similar to a half cross stitch, continental stitch gives more coverage to the back side of the work, resulting in a finished piece that can withstand wear and tear.