Affiliated / Unaffiliated - If someone has joined a fraternity / sorority, they are said to be "affiliated."

Bid - A formal offer to join a greek organization.

Chapter - A specific greek letter organization at a specific college or university. Ex: I am from the beta tau chapter of Delta Gamma sorority at University of Miami.

Fraternity - From the Latin word, "frater," which means, "brother," a fraternity is a formal organization created around a set of core values and traditions. The most common connotation of a fraternity is a social fraternity, which are almost always exclusively male (their co-ed counterpart being sororities). Fraternities can also be established based upon ethnicity, scholorship and honors, or public service.

GLO - Greek Letter Organization - Encompases all fraternities and sororities which are based upon the "fraternity" structure, that of existing at a college or university, having a pledge process in which new members learn of the groups beliefs and traditions, and exisiting to mutually benefit its members. There is a slight misnomer in that there are a few GLOs which don't technically use actual greek letters, such as Trianlge, or Acacia.

Hazing - As defined by Meriam-Webster, hazing is, "an initiation process involving harassment." In the context of greek life, hazing refers to forcing pledges to perform difficult or embarrassing tasks as a prerequisite for membership.

House - In the context of greek life, the term house can be used to describe an entire organizion, not just the building in which they live. Ex: Hello, I am a member of Alpha Tau Omega, what house are you in?

Lavalier - A necklace containing the letters of a fraternity which a member can give to his girlfriend to symbolize commitment, and the acceptance of his chapter. A lavalier is often considered a precursor to becomminng engaged.

Pledge - A person who has excepted a bid to join a greek organization, but has not yet completed the requirements to become a member. A typical pledge process for a social fraternity lasts from 4 to 8 weeks, during which time the pledge will learn about the values and traditions of the house, and aquaint themselves with the members of the chapter. Due to political correctness, the phrase "associate member" is often used in place of "pledge."

Pin (action) - Unlike in a high school setting, when a member of a fraternity "pins" his girl with the badge of his fraternity, it symbolizes a long term commitment and most likely marriage.

Pin (pledge) - A pledge pin is worn by an associate member of a greek organization to symbolize thier status. A pledge pin is typically a simplified version of the badge worn by active members.

Prospective - A prospective is an unaffiliated person (usually a freshman) that a greek organization is considering giving a bid to.

Rush - The formal process in which fraternities actively recruit new members. There is usually a specific time period and activities sponsored by the college or university.

Rush (Dirty) - Dirty rush refers to seeking new members before the designated or allowed time frame, or pursuing new members by means not allowed by IFC / NHC or the university. Examples include serving alcohol to prospective members, oroffering bribes to join a specific house.

Sorority - An all female greek letter organization.