A more thorough explanation:

Eavesdropping is when someone listens in on a private conversation or observes private conduct without getting permission from the people involved. This can happen in places where people expect privacy, like their home, car, or a phone booth. It can also happen in public places, but there are some situations where it's allowed.

Some states have laws against eavesdropping without consent. For example, in New York, it's a felony to listen in on a phone conversation without getting permission from at least one of the people talking. If someone is convicted of this crime, they could go to prison for up to four years.

There are some situations where eavesdropping is allowed. For example, an employer might be allowed to monitor an employee's work-related phone calls and emails if they're using company equipment. But there are also rules about what employers can and can't do. In some states, employers have to tell new employees if there are cameras in the workplace.

For example, if someone secretly records a conversation between two people without their permission, that's eavesdropping. But if an employer tells their employees that they're going to be monitoring their work-related phone calls, that's not eavesdropping.