How do you search somebody on here if they give you their board handle as a reference ? Thanks for any advice.  

Reviews tab --> Search --> search whitelist --> type in their username.

Just go into the forum you want to search then click the Search button. You can do the same for Reviews.

Many use the terms inchangeably and it often doesn't matter but it would a benefit to be specific.

You don't need the number, just their logon ID.

To prove they are who they say they are. It would be fairly simple to give another's screen name through an outside email and have you verify that they have x number of white lists, unless they pm through ter, p411 or can post something under their screen name you don't know for sure who you are talking to.  

exactly!  

That's a provider-only feature so not everyone may be aware that can be done.

Thanks you guys !!!  

I don't have access to the providers-only area  
I'm bad at technology and figuring out boards sometimes so I think I need to post more to be granted access.