Short answer
This Star Citizen glossary briefly explains the most important terms for beginners. Especially before registration and purchase you should understand referral code, Game Package, Standalone Ship, Free Fly, UEC, aUEC and Wipe.
Currencies
UEC
UEC is the currency that uses Star Citizen for the long-term gaming context. The official referral bonus is also described in UEC; for details see the page Star Citizen Registration and referral code.
aUEC
aUEC is important in the current Alpha game operation and can behave differently than a later live currency due to development changes or Wipes. For beginners it is important: aUEC can be useful, but is not a permanently guaranteed asset.
Account and purchase
referral code
A referral code is an invitation code for new RSI accounts. Find out more on the page Star Citizen Registration and referral code.
Game Package
A Game Package contains the access to Star Citizen. If you want to play permanently and just no Free Fly is active, this difference is important. Game Packages explained for beginners.
Standalone Ship
A Standalone Ship is a single ship. It is not automatically a game access if you do not have a suitable Game Package yet.
Pledges
Pledge is a store term around purchases or support in the RSI store. As a beginner, you should look at Pledges calmly and carefully and not buy more than you really need.
Free Fly
Free Fly is a time-limited test phase in which Star Citizen can be tested without Game Package if RSI offers a corresponding action. Star Citizen Free Fly for beginners.
Game world
Persistent Universe
The Persistent Universe is the online game world of Star Citizen. There you move between places, ships, missions and other players.
ASOP
ASOP stands for Automated Ship Organization Program. These are the terminals where you call your ship at space ports or stations.
Quantum Travel
Quantum Travel is the fast journey over long distances in the system. You use it to travel between planets, moons, stations and mission destinations.
Hangar
A hangar is the area where your ship is ready. In Star Citizen you often go physically to the hangar, get in and start yourself.
Activities
Cargo
Cargo means freight or goods that are transported. Beginners often encounter the term in deliveries, Cargo Hauling or trading.
Mining
Mining is the mining of raw materials. It is more economical and quieter than fighting, but requires understanding of scanners, equipment and risk.
Salvage
Salvage means recycling wrecks, damaged ships or abandoned materials. More activities can be found on Star Citizen activities explained.
Bounty Hunting
Bounty Hunting is a bounty hunt. Usually it is about battle-oriented missions that can be exciting for beginners, but also frustrating.
Ship Combat
Ship Combat is space combat with your ship. You learn shields, weapons, target detection, movement and energy distribution.
FPS Combat
FPS Combat is a battle on foot. It takes place, for example, in bunkers, buildings or stations and is often more demanding than quiet missions for new players.
Technology and Alpha
Wipe
A Wipe can reset progress or certain data. In a Alpha, this is important because progress is not always permanently safe.
RSI
RSI stands for Roberts Space Industries, the official website and platform around account, store, Spectrum, launcher and official information.
Spectrum
Spectrum is the official community platform of RSI. There you will find discussions, organizations and official community areas.
Alpha
Alpha means that Star Citizen is still in development. Content, technology, missions and progress can change. Star Citizen Technology and System Requirements.