If a dividend paying stock is held for a short term how is the dividend paid? I'm not clear on how that works with short term trading positions. r.f.

The company declares the dividend on a set date.

The owners of the stock at the end of trading on that date get the dividend, even if they sell the stock the next day.

if a dividend paying stock is held for a short term how is the dividend paid? i'm not clear on how that works with short term trading positions. r.f.

There are four dates relevant to dividends.
Announcement date: This is when the company announces they are going to pay a dividend. You should read the announcement carefully because the following dates may spread out over two or three months
Record date: This is the date you must own the stock in order to receive the dividend.
Ex dividend date: If you buy on or after this date you will not receive the dividend. It is usually two business days before the Record date.
Payment date: This is the date the dividend is paid.