Please help me to understand the characteristics and differences -
explained in words - of the above types of music. Thanks.

Hello carmi604,

A good resource with definitions of these terms and many more is:

"Glossary of Musical Styles"
Audiogalaxy
http://www.audiogalaxy.com/list/glossary.php

Click on any type of music on that page to see a definition, similar
styles, and a list of artists who perform in that style.  (Note:
"Trance" is listed under "Techno" in the "Electronica" column. 
"Dance" is not listed by itself, but under "Dance Pop" as well as
"Intelligent Dance Music".)  I think that the best strategy is to
click each link that interests you, until you get a sense of the
differences and connections between the various types of music.

I hope that this information is helpful.

- justaskscott


Search terms used on Google:

glossary dance hip-hop trance house

[I also tried substituting "terms" or "definitions" in place of the
term "glossary", and found other relevant results.  But the
Audiogalaxy page appears to be the most comprehensive.]

Thanks a lot.  I understand that to really know what it is I should
listen to recordings in the company of a guide (16ys old?).  But since
I asked for wording, I find your suggestion very helpful.  Carmi