ENS (.eth) names go through several stages from being available to being registered and expiring. A life cycle of sorts. This article explains each stage in simple terms. As such, the diagrams are simplified.

A name returns to normal availability when the Temporary Premium Auction ends without a buyer. At this point, the name can be registered at the standard fee with no temporary premium attached.

A registered name belongs to a wallet address and remains in this state until it reaches its expiry date. As long as the registration is maintained, the name remains entirely owned by the registrant. No one can forcibly take the name.

When a .eth name reaches its expiry date, it enters the expired state. After an ENS name has expired, it will still point to your records until it's released.

After an ENS name expires it enters into what's called a Grace Period. This is a 90-day window provided as a courtesy where the owner can renew it and keep it at the regular renewal cost.

During this period, no other party can register the name, ensuring the owner's priority to renew. Any wallet can also extend the registration, but doing so is to the owners benefit. Some marketplace platforms may also hide expired ENS names and prevent their listing, to avoid failed transactions.

Keep in mind that the renewal period must be from when the name expired, otherwise the Grace Period will just be moved up.

For example, if a name expired 60 days ago, and you only extend the registration for 30 days, then the name will still be expired, and the end of the Grace Period will just be extended for 30 days.

After the Grace Period ends the ENS name will enter into a Temporary Premium Auction. This is a 21-day period where the ENS name is available for anyone to register with a Temporary Premium attached.