Final answer:
The terms 'red states' and 'blue states' refer to the leanings of the voters in different states, with Republican-leaning voters referred to as 'red states' and Democratic-leaning voters referred to as 'blue states'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms 'red states' and 'blue states' refer to the leanings of the voters in different states. The most common and widely accepted usage is that states with Republican-leaning voters are referred to as 'red states', while states with Democratic-leaning voters are referred to as 'blue states'. This terminology is based on the colors used in election maps, with Republicans historically associated with the color red and Democrats with the color blue. It is important to note that not all states are strictly Republican or Democratic, and there is a range of political beliefs within each state.