David, a floating reticle just means it has a center dot that's not connected, making it look like it's floating. Kinda hard to explain without a photo. Best way I can explain it is imagine a regular scope reticle + but the lines don't connect in the middle and instead of the lines connecting it has a dot in the middle, Making the dot look like it's floating. So it's pretty much a scope mixed with a red dot. If you Google ( floating reticle photos ) you will see what I'm trying to explain. Illuminating reticle just means the reticle lights up making it easier to see. You will have a knob you can turn to adjust brightness and will usually have several colors like red, green, and blue. Personally I prefer floating reticles. Makes acquiring the target easier especially at longer distance. Hope this helps and hopefully explained it well enough.