What's the difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree connections?

On LinkedIn, your network consists of your 1st, 2nd and  3rd-degree  connections. You can grow your network by connecting with new people or messaging them. 

1st-degree connections - people you're directly connected to because of your professional relationships or you've accepted their invitation to connect. You can message these contacts directly. 

2nd-degree connections - people who are connected to your 1st-degree connections. You can send them a connection request to connect and add them to your network. 

3rd-degree connections - people who are connected to your 2nd-degree connections. You can send them a connection request to connect (same as with your 2nd-degree connections)

Out Of Network or 3+ degree connections - these are connections that do not belong to any of the above categories and will be displayed as "LinkedIn Member".

There will be no information displayed about these connections (like name and the last name) as they are too far away from your network. You won't be able to send a personalised connection request either.