Personal Note: I have an avid interest in the paranormal and all things supernatural. I scan mutitudes of sites and various documents comparing information written by professionals and novices. Here is a piece from http://www.haunted-places-to-go.com that explains two types of hauntings fairly well. Please add your expertise, comments and experiences.

Paranormal research has concluded that there are several different types of hauntings. Two of the most common types that one may experience include that of residual and intelligent hauntings. Whether you are a professional in the field of ghost hunting, or someone who is simply interested in the supernatural, it is important that you learn as much as you can regarding the various types that may be experienced. Here, I will review the residual haunting as well as those that are considered to be intelligent.

A Residual Haunting

The residual haunting is a rather interesting type of supernatural experience. To be completely honest, it really is not as much of a “haunting” of a spirit as it is a recording of specific energy. Many professionals in the paranormal describe this type of supernatural experience as a “recording of past energy”. It is believed, that in a location where a person released a large amount of energy, or heightened emotions were experienced, and the energy imbeds itself. As a result of the lingering energy, individuals in the future may get to experience seeing a type of “recording” of these events. The following describes some of the signs that a haunting is residual:

1. One of the first things that the witness to a residual haunting will notice is that the spirit does not seem to interact, or acknowledge that there is anyone present. The spirit will almost seem oblivious to anything that is occurring in its presence.

2. There have been cases in which the apparition will seem to come and go. However, even when the actual spirit is not present, it is common for noises to be heard by the living. These noises often sound as if the spirit is walking, or moving things around. Once again, this is simply the energy exhibiting itself.

3. The energy that is felt in a residual haunting may be quite tremendous for the individual experiencing it, but it is not something that has to be feared. The energy may also result in interruptions to electricity and electrical appliances. It is also quite possible for parts of the area to change. Examples include the opening and shutting of doors. Once again, this is merely energy. There is no conscious effort on behalf of the spirit when it comes to these activities.

Decent youtube video on the subject

Intelligent Hauntings

Intelligent hauntings are a completely different type of haunting from residual. Whereas a residual haunting is a type of energy that has no consciousness, the intelligent haunting does have consciousness. These spirits have been accounted to interact with the living all throughout history. There are many possibilities why an intelligent spirit may elect to stay on our physical plane. Below are some common explanations:

1. Many spirits that are considered to be intelligent simply may not realize that their life has ended and they are trying to continue living as if they would if they were still alive.

2. There are some who may elect to remain on the physical plane in an effort to ensure the safety of particular loved ones.

3. There may be a strong connection to a particular place, item, or person on the physical plane that results in the spirit remaining in our world.

4. Many of the spirits may feel as if it is their obligation to send a specific message to a loved one.

5. In some instances, it may simply be that the spirit is frightened to move on from life to death, and that they need time to get used to the idea that they are no longer living.