Transparent glass transmits light so that you can see into or thru the bead. Because the color is within the hole, these beads are more durable than surface painted beads. Opal glass transmits light but is murky, milky, or translucent. Good opal glass has a glow to it, a little like Opal gemstone.
Satin glass has a striated, layered or satin-like appearance.
The apparent color shade of satin glass varies with your viewing angle. Whitehearts have an inner core of white glass.