There are many terms, some that even I struggle with, but once you differentiate them and match the terms to the meanings, you'll be good to go.

Let's start with the basics.

Theriotype

The animal you, or someone identifies as

Gear

Anything relating to your theriotype. You'll commonly see masks, tails, or ears.

Shift

There are many types of shifts, but in short, shifts are where you feel more like your theriotype, in a non physical manner.

Polytherian

Where a therian has more than one theriotype.

Contherian

A kind of nonshifting therian that has similar experiences as other therians but who do not shift- rather, they are constantly shifted into an animal state, with no variation.

Suntherian

A kind of therian who, similarly to the contherian, constantly experiences their nonhuman side and do not experience mental shifts; however, they can experience changes on a sliding scale, or combinations between human and animal mindsets, but generally in a manner that is not as extreme as with shifters. Also called "vacillant" in the case of otherkin.

Paleotherian

A therian whose theriotype is that of an extinct animal.

Cladotherian

A therian who's theriotype is not one specific sub-species. For example, rather than a tiger specifically, they encompass all felines, or a "clade". It is not a temporary or placeholder label for those who are uncertain or haven't yet narrowed down their species. A cladotherian does not think such a narrowing of species is possible or applicable for themselves.

Awakening

The process of realizing and accepting that you are a therian or otherkin, possibly including the discovery of one's kintype. Not everyone experiences an awakening.

Vocals

Mimicking the sound of your theriotype.