From Bitcoin to XRP: Key cryptocurrency terms and what they mean

The world of cryptocurrencies is full of new ideas and terms that can be confusing for beginners. Bitcoin is the most famous cryptocurrency, but there are many others, like Ethereum and XRP. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is not controlled by any government or bank. Instead, it is managed by a network of people around the world who buy, sell, and trade it. This makes Bitcoin very different from regular money, and its price can change a lot in a short time. For example, in July 2025, Bitcoin's price hit a record high of $120,000 after US President Donald Trump announced his support for cryptocurrencies. This made more people interested in buying Bitcoin, but its price can also fall quickly if people start selling.

The technology that makes cryptocurrencies possible is called blockchain. A blockchain is like a digital ledger or spreadsheet that records every transaction made with a cryptocurrency. These records are grouped into blocks, and each block is connected to the one before it, forming a chain. This system is very secure because every transaction must be checked and confirmed by people called miners. Miners use powerful computers to solve complex problems, and the first one to solve it gets a reward in Bitcoin. This process is called mining, and it uses a lot of energy because so many people are trying to be the first. To make sure there are not too many Bitcoins, the reward for mining is cut in half every four years in an event called 'halving. ' The last halving happened in April 2024, reducing the reward from 6. 25 to 3. 125 Bitcoins. This helps control the supply and can affect the price.

To buy and sell cryptocurrencies, people use crypto exchanges. These are online platforms where you can trade regular money, like dollars or pounds, for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Most exchanges charge a fee for each transaction. Once you own cryptocurrency, you need a place to store it, called a crypto wallet. There are two main types: hot wallets and cold wallets. Hot wallets are connected to the internet, making them easy to use but more vulnerable to hacking. Cold wallets are physical devices, like USB drives, that store your cryptocurrency offline, making them safer for long-term storage.

Ethereum is another major cryptocurrency, and it is both a digital currency and a platform for building other digital projects, like NFTs. It works in a similar way to Bitcoin but has some unique features. Some investors use exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, to invest in cryptocurrencies. ETFs are collections of different investments that you can buy as a single package. Some ETFs now include Bitcoin, allowing people to invest in it without having to buy and store the actual coins.

There are also meme coins, which are cryptocurrencies created for fun or to take advantage of internet trends. These coins can be very risky because their value often depends on social media popularity, and some have turned out to be scams. Stablecoins are another type of cryptocurrency designed to keep their value steady by linking them to real-world assets like the US dollar. This makes them less volatile than other cryptocurrencies, but there are still concerns about their safety.

XRP is a cryptocurrency created by Ripple Labs to make sending money across borders faster and cheaper. It uses a different system to confirm transactions, allowing it to process many transactions quickly and at a low cost. However, like other cryptocurrencies, XRP faces challenges and risks.

Understanding these key terms and how cryptocurrencies work can help you make better decisions if you are interested in investing or using digital money. The world of crypto is always changing, and staying informed is important for anyone who wants to be involved.