Plating, galvanizing, zincing, dipping and nickelling are all loose terms often used to describe one or more types of electroplating. The word "electroplating " is a broad generic term describing - “The deposition of a metal onto a substrate by means of chemicals and electrical current”. Galvanizing describes coating with zinc and this can mean either the "Hot Dip" or the" Electro" method. Electro galvanizing describes electroplating specifically with zinc. Likewise, there are a multitude of other surface treatments in everyday use that are not electroplating, but are often grouped into the same family. Wherever possible, try to agree with your plater on a applicable specification or standard; this will protect both parties in the event of a dispute. There are many types of electroplating and other surface treatments ranging from common to exotic. It helps a plater enormously when a client is properly informed and requests a specific finish, preferably referring to a recognized specification. It is odd that, even now, platers get requests for gold or silver plating when the client actually means zinc with either yellow or bright/blue passivation.