Microphones are often distinguished by pickup patterns. Pickup patterns refer to how sound enters the microphone. A mic can recieve sound via: Unidirectional vs. omni-directional vs. bidirectional vs. shotgun or highly directional microphones
Types of Microphones: Mics are oftne distinguished by their size, shape and handling:
Shot Gun Microphones- these are unidirectional misc that can pick up sound from a distance of up to 9 feet. Shot guns are the preferred mic for boom poles because they can focus on one person in a crowded environment and isolate the sound coming from that person.

Boom pole - is a shotgun microphone that is being held above and in front of person speaking by the boom operator. When the mic drops in the shot you'll often hear the director or camera operator yell, "Boom In Shot!""