[en] We present a simple model for three- and four-particle cluster states in light nuclei. These states are considered as bound states and single-particle resonances of a cluster-core potential, which is obtained by folding the cluster and core mass densities. We calculate some properties of these states in ¹⁶O and ²⁰Ne, such as the rms radii, B (E2) values, α-decay widths, and energy spectra. Good agreement with available data is obtained, and some predictions are made for B (E2) values in the K/sup pi/ = 0^- bands in ¹⁶O and ²⁰Ne. This model is also used to interpret recent heavy-ion three particle-transfer data. Dynamical support is offered for high spin assignments in ¹⁵N and ¹⁵O previously based on kinematical considerations