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A Residual haunting is described as a tape player; where in energy is replaying itself in the form of a person, animal or event repeating the same action over and over again. These types of hauntings are usually unable to interact with the corporeal world around them. Residual hauntings can be tied to a specific location through traumatic events and the physical makeup of the earth around them. Areas high in quartz or limestone are said to retain energy for long periods of time.

A Poltergeist (from the German: "noisy ghost") is a spirit or energy responsible for unexplained disturbances. Such as loud noises, thumps, object displacement or breakage. These entities are capable of physical harm to the living such as scratching, biting, hitting or shoving, etc... It is believed that this type of haunting can be caused by individual with strong emotional or mental triggers such as teens and young adults or individuals experiencing trauma.

An Intelligent haunting is believed to be, in most cases, the "spirit" of a human being that has been trapped or bound to earth. These entities are able to interact with the environment around them as well as communicate with living people. They can be seen as mists, shadows or solid forms of the person they once were. It is believed that traumatic events in the person's life or unfinished business prevents the spirit from "crossing over" to the next plane of existence.

A Malevolent haunting is also said to be the spirit of a once living person. But in these cases the individual was said to have been an extremely evil person when they were alive and/or have committed atrocities in life which carry over into the spirit world. These entities often display "vengeful" behavior. Their goal is to cause harm and fear. A malevolent spirit is capable of interacting with humans and will attempt to cause physical pain or damage. 

A Demonic haunting is just that; a demon. A demon is a negative entity which has never been a living human being. Angels cast down from heaven by God. These entities are quite dangerous and capable of inhabiting a person. They are able to cause great harm for long periods of time at great risk to the person and people around them. They can cause an otherwise good person to do things that are normally out of character. This is called possession. 

When one experiences a demonic possession they are said to be controlled for certain times by an evil entity. These cases are extremely rare. When a case of demonic possession is reported there are in depth investigations conducted by the Catholic church before any type of Exorcism can be conducted. An exorcism is a religious ritual where the demon is called by name and cast out of the living person. This can take days, months or years and are not always successful.