On LinkedIn, people in your network are called connections. Your network is made up of your 1st-degree, 2nd-degree, 3rd-degree connections, and fellow members of your LinkedIn groups.
1st-degree - People you're directly connected to because you've accepted their invitation to connect, or they've accepted your invitation. You'll see a 1st degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile. You can contact them by sending a message on LinkedIn.
2nd-degree - People who are connected to your 1st-degree connections. You'll see a 2nd degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile. You can send them an invitation by clicking the Connectbutton on their profile page, or by contacting them through an InMail. Learn more about InMail.
3rd-degree - People who are connected to your 2nd-degree connections. You'll see a 3rd degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile.
- If their full first and last names are displayed, you can send them an invitation by clicking Connect.
- If only the first letter of their last name is displayed, clicking Connect isn't an option but you can contact them through an InMail.
Fellow members of your LinkedIn Groups - These people are considered part of your network because you're members of the same group. The Highlights section of a member profile displays the groups you both are a part of. You can contact them by sending a message on LinkedIn or through the group.
LinkedIn Member (Out of Network) - LinkedIn members who fall outside the categories listed above. You can contact them through an InMail. There is no option to filter and search specifically for members falling under this category.
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