Key Terminology

For first time users of Facebook, or experienced users that may need a refresh, here are some of the most common terms that you may encounter:

  • Activity log
    Your activity log is a tool that lets you review and manage everything you share on Facebook. Only you can see your activity log.
  • Adware

    Adware is software that automatically downloads and displays ads on your screen.

  • Audience selector
    The audience selector lets you select an audience for what you share.
  • Block

    You can block someone to unfriend them and prevent them from starting conversations with you or seeing things you post on your Timeline.
    Blocked can also mean that Facebook has temporarily restricted you from using a specific feature or multiple features, but you can still access your account.

  • Cover photo
    Your cover photo is the large picture at the top of your Timeline, right above your profile picture .
  • Event

    Events is a feature that lets you organize gatherings, respond to invites and keep up with what your friends are doing.

  • Follow
    Follow is a way to hear from people you're interested in, even if you're not friends. The Follow button is also a way to fine-tune your News Feed to get the types of updates you want to see.
  • Friend
    Friends are people you connect and share with on Facebook. Learn more about adding friends .
  • Friendship page

    Friendship pages show a collection of stories and interactions between 2 people connected on Facebook. For example, your friendship page with a friend will show things like the Timeline posts you've exchanged, your mutual friends, events you both attended, the photos you're both tagged in and the things you like on Facebook.

  • Groups
    Groups are private spaces where you can keep in touch with people by sharing updates, photos or documents.
  • Messages
    Your messages and messages inbox house your ongoing conversations with people on Facebook.
  • Notifications
    Notifications are updates about activity on Facebook.
  • Page
    Pages allow businesses, brands and organizations to connect with people on Facebook. Learn more about Pages.
  • Profile
    On Facebook, your profile is your Timeline.
  • Tagging
    A tag links a person, Page or place to something you post, like a status update or a photo. For example, you can tag a photo to say who's in the photo or post a status update and say who you're with.
  • Timeline
    Your Timeline, which we sometimes refer to as your profile, is your collection of the photos, stories and experiences that tell your story.
  • Trending

    Trending shows you the popular topics and hashtags that are being talked about on Facebook. You'll see stories from people and Pages who've shared them with you or have shared them as Public. From the right side of your homepage, click a topic that's trending to see what people are saying about it.

You can find a full list by clicking here to read more.