Milonga:

 1) social dance ball for Tango dancer
 2) a music style similar to Tango, but with a faster beat.

Tanda:

At the milonga, Tango songs are played in sets of four (often from the same orchestra). It is usual to dance a whole Tanda with the same partner, and then change the partner for the next Tanda.

Cortina:

A song (usually different from Tango music) which separates two tandas. This is the time when you look for a new partner for the next dance.

Mirada y Cabeceo:

The traditional way of inviting each other for dancing. 'Mirada' meaning 'glance', is the way you show that you (the follower) want to dance with someone, by seeking eye contact with that person. If the person (the leader) accepts, he/she will make a sign with the head (cabeceo). Then both meet at the dance floor.

Leader:

The person in a dance couple, who is proposing the movements of the dance. It is the leader who indicates the direction, the velocity, and the interpretation of the music (most of the time). At the same time, the leader has the responsibility, to take care of the other couples on the dance floor, to keep moving fluidly, to give energy to the dance, and to ensure that the follower is comfortable and feels safe.

Follower:

The person in a dance couple, who is listening but also responding to the leader. By responding and being present, the follower shows that he/she understands the leader, which is also a way to give back the energy received from the leader. Usually the follower has the eyes shut in order to fully concentrate on the music and on the proposals of the leader.