Like many web sites, eBay has developed its own language over the years. To newcomers, this can be confusing. Here is a guide to commonly-used eBay terms.

Bid – The amount that you are willing to pay for a specific item up for auction.

Bid History – The chronologic history of bidding activity in an auction. You can see who and when someone has bid (though not the amount). After the auction is complete, the amounts are displayed. This section can contain valuable information about your competition.

Buy it Now - An auction that has a fixed price that ends instantly when someone commits to that price.

Current Bid – The current amount the item is selling for.

eBay Motors – A major category inside eBay that contains motorized vehicles, parts and accessories. This is where the majority of boating items are listed.

End Time – The time at which the auction ends in hours/minutes/seconds. The time is displayed in Pacific Standard Time. The listing time is posted as well.

Feedback – Your eBay report card, as reported by other eBay members.

High Bidder – Displays the current top bidder, meaning the person currently winning the auction.

Item Number – An eBay assigned item tracking number.

Listing – An auction page giving all of the pertinent information.

Member ID – Contains information on length of membership, number of transactions and feedback score.

My eBay – An online eBay workplace that contains all of your member information, including items watched, won and lost.

Reserve Not Met – The minimum amount the seller will take for an item, which is unknown to buyers.

Sniping – A method that bidders often use to win an auction at the last second on the last day. By bidding seconds before the auction ends, the buyer eliminates his competitors' opportunity to bid higher.