Bouldering is rock climbing close to the ground without the need for a rope or harness. It can be done indoors or out and all you need is a pair climbing shoes, some chalk, and a big foam crash pad. Literally climbing on a boulder instead of on a rock face or cliff.

Top rope is when you climb on a rope that has an anchor already set up. This is how most gym climbing is rigged — there is a rope that runs from the belayer, up the wall, to an anchor, back down to the climber at the base of the climb.

Lead climbing can discipline. It requires you to clip into protection as you climb, to protect against a fall. You’re setting the rope up as you climb. This is generally considered more dangerous than top-roping because the potential for bigger falls is greater since the protection is often below you instead of above you.