When you buy before you sell, it's called a 'long' trade. You expect the stock to rise in value. Normal trade. When you sell before you buy, it's called 'short

When you buy before you sell, it's called a 'long' trade. You expect the stock to rise in value. Normal trade. When you sell before you buy, it's called 'short' trade. You expect the stock to fall in value. Example: I shorted GME at $25 (sold), expecting it would fall to $12, where I could buy it back. Reality: /r/Wallstreebets and others decided to keep buying to make the 'shorts' buy (i.e. cover) also, creating a buying frenzy and an insane rally.