Near mint (NM or M-) 100% perfect. I will never call a cassette NM or M- no matter how nice it is.

Excellent or Very Good Plus (E or VG+) - I will list these as VG in the ebay condition but note in the title if I think they fall in this category. These cassette tapes show signs of use, including very light scuffs or scratches on the casing or the shell. The inlay shows signs of being pulled out, unfolded then put back in. The labels are show signs of fade. The metal on the pressure pad shows a tad hint of rust bud the pad itself remains near-pristine. The media of the tape has zero signs of fold or scruff marks. When played, there are no audible signs of dropouts and nearly zero loss in fidelity. Practically zero distortion.

Very Good -This will show VG in the ebay description. The cassette tape may show signs of frequent use. The folds on the inlay may show signs of near tear/split but are not torn nor split. Could also have visible signs of fade. Labels may have writings but has no signs of being peeled and could have visible signs of fade. The casing may have visible fracture lines but no breaks. The two parts of the casing do not fall off nor split. The shell has visible scuffs and marks. No squeaks coming from the feed and take-up reels. The media of the tape has no folds or scruff marks. The metal on the pressure pad may have minor rust spots but the pad itself is intact. When played, there may be an slight audible sign of loss in fidelity but no dropouts. Practically zero distortion.

Good - The cassette tape show clear visible signs of frequent use. The folds of the inlay may be torn but not fully and shows clear signs of fading. Labels has writing and may show signs of an attempted peel. The casing has a crack but not broken. The two signs of the casing may fall off or split. The shell has clear scruffs and marks. The metal on the pressure pad has clear signs of rust but the pad itself is still in good condition. There are minor squeaks coming from the feed and take-up reels. The media of the tape may have signs of being folded or scuffed but does not affect play in general. When played, there could be a negligible audible loss in fidelity.