This is more properly a JavaRanch question, but here goes... everyone starts life as greenhorn (yup, your life as a
Java developer only starts properly once you've discovered this site). After 40(?) posts, you've become a regular and upgrade to ranch hand. After lots of well thought out, considerate posts, the folks at the 'ranch may decide
you should be roped in to moderate a forum and you become Bartender. Finally a few privileged individuals with good connections

are sheriffs; they have full privileges on all forums.
- Peter