Open cluster typically refers to a group of stars that are loosely bound together by gravitational attraction. There are several words that can be used interchangeably with open cluster including galactic cluster, stellar association, and loose cluster. A galactic cluster is a term used for a group of stars that share a common origin and are located within the same region of the Milky Way galaxy. A stellar association, on the other hand, usually encompasses a larger area of space and is made up of stars that are more widely dispersed. Loose cluster is a general term that can refer to any group of stars that are not tightly bound together, including both open and globular clusters.