If the term "dark ages" is frowned upon what would be a better word to use in its stead?

by spgtothemax
qed1

Depends what you're referring to. Normally either "Middle Ages" or "Early Middle Ages" depending on whether you are referring to the entire period from ca. 500-1500 or more closely to the period from ca. 500-1000. Potentially also "late antiquity" (which overlaps the latter period, from ca. 300-700).