Another term called steric number is often used in VSEPR theory.

Steric number (SN) = No. of attached atom + No. of lone pairs. Since the lone pair—lone pair repulsions are maximum, the most stable geometry can be obtained by maximizing the distance between steric numbers on the central atom.

Molecular shapes are eventually determined by two parameters: Bond distance, separation between the nuclei of two bonded atoms in a straight line and the bond angle, the angle between any two bonds containing a common atom.

While mentioning the molecular shapes lone pairs may be ignored, however, while defining the geometry both the lone pairs and bond pairs should be considered. 

For example: in water molecule the central oxygen atom is in tetrahedral environment with two lone pairs and two O—H bonds (or two bond pairs). The shape of the water molecule is therefore bent (two lone pairs are ignored).