Yes, 12 p.m. is considered to be the start of the afternoon.
Explanation
- The time system divides the day into two 12-hour periods:
- A.M. (ante meridiem): from midnight (12:00 a.m.) to just before noon (11:59 a.m.).
- P.M. (post meridiem): from noon (12:00 p.m.) to just before midnight (11:59 p.m.).
Summary
- 12:00 a.m. = Midnight (start of the day)
- 12:00 p.m. = Noon (start of the afternoon)