Lassos are a type of rope used for catching animals or objects, usually made from leather or nylon. The term lassos can also refer to the act of throwing the rope. RIATAS, REATAS, LARIATS, ROPES, and NOOSES are all variations of lassos. RIATAS and REATAS are two different spellings of the same word, which is a type of lasso used in Mexico and the American Southwest. LARIATS are a type of lasso used in rodeo events, while ROPES and NOOSES are more general terms for lassos.