What do the terms “point-to-point”, “multi-drop”, and “multi-point” mean regarding RS-485/422 networks?

“Point-to-point” refers to a network where one driver interfaces with only one receiver (e.g., RS-232). In a “multi-drop” system, one driver communicates with multiple receivers (e.g., RS-422). “Multi-point” networks allow multiple drivers and receivers to communicate on the same bus (e.g., RS-485).