Contactee, experiencer, and participant are all terms describing an abductee. However, abductee is the term most recognized by the public. As abductees learn more about their abduction experiences, many prefer to be called contactees, experiencers, or participants.

This shift in terminology often reflects the abductees' change in attitude from fear to acceptance. They accept it because they feel they cannot change the phenomena. They are a product of it and will live with its effects. Or, they may feel compelled to learn more about their abduction experience by meeting with other abductees and working with researchers.