Plug not working

Hi hope someone can help, I have a couple of plugs and a couple of lights on one circuit that do not work, the breaker is not tripped, but the the circuit is still energized? my touch less circuit tester lights up as soon as I get within in one inch of the switch covers. the plug stopped working a couple of weeks ago for an hour or so, then yesterday it stopped working completely.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Ray

 

In one of those switch or plug boxes you will find a loose wire nut, most likely white wires.

 

True. You're going to find somewhere in that string there is one that has come loose. Turn the breaker off and start opening boxes up. You may want to even tighten all screws while you're in there to prevent this from happening again. When they get jammed into the boxes, things come loose.

Great job testing the circuit!