Making reference to something is a way of alluding, mentioning, citing, referring, or naming it. Alluding to something means to suggest or hint at it without being explicit. Mentioning something is to bring it up in conversation or writing. Citing something is to quote it or give the source of the information. Referring to something is to direct attention to it. Naming something is to identify it by its proper NAME. Lastly, advertising something is to draw attention to it in a public way.