What is Affiliate networking or Affiliate earning

People ask about Affiliate , Affiliate marketing , affiliate network , affiliate programs .but what does mean this word Affiliate.

In affiliate program , you will work as a sales person.But there will be no fixed monthly income for you.you will be paid a certain commission of the sales you done

Online affiliate network -In simple words

• You join in a Affiliate network like Google ,Yahoo.
• They will give you a certain publisher ID.plus ads in image or text format in different size and graphics.
• Say if you promote sales by website or email.When Visitor or reader clicks on the link that you created with affiliate network publisher ID-visitor will be directed to the affiliate network website.When the visitor buys a product ,you will be paid a certain commission.
• It functions like CPA or cost per action basis. No action no pay,No sell no pay.