Rushing vs Pledging in Greek Life

So I've been considering joining a sorority or fraternity once I get to college, but I'm unsure about what the difference is between rushing and pledging. Can someone clarify the distinctions and what I should expect from each process?

Rushing and pledging are both parts of the process of joining a fraternity or sorority, but they are distinct phases that serve different purposes.

Rushing is the initial phase in which potential new members (PNMs) explore various Greek organizations on campus. During the rush period, fraternities and sororities host a variety of recruitment events, such as open houses, meet-and-greets, or philanthropic events, designed to introduce PNMs to their respective organizations and current members. Rush is an opportunity for you as a PNM to meet members of the different Greek organizations and start to develop a sense of where you might fit in best. This phase generally occurs at the start of each semester or academic year, depending on the school. Engaging in rush events does not commit you to any specific organization, and you can attend events for multiple organizations to get a feel for the options available.

Pledging, on the other hand, takes place after the rush process is complete. Once a PNM receives and accepts a "bid" (a formal invitation to join) from a fraternity or sorority, they become a "pledge" and enter the pledging phase of membership. Pledging is essentially a new member education process designed to help individuals learn about the values, history, and rituals of the organization, while bonding with fellow pledges and existing members. During this time, you'll participate in a variety of educational, social, service, and leadership activities. Pledging usually lasts several weeks to a few months and culminates in initiation, where new members officially become full members of the organization.

In summary, rushing is the phase when you explore different Greek organizations, while pledging is the membership education process after accepting an invitation to join a specific organization. It's important to remember that each college campus has different Greek life regulations, so the rushing and pledging process may vary by school. Make sure to check with your campus's Greek life office or individual organization guidelines for specific information regarding the process at your school.