[astrong]

Every domain registrar handles an expiration of the domains they manage differently. Godaddy for example has a 43 day period, during which they take over and auction the domain name, before it is returned to the registry. Watch here for an even more confusing explanation : https://plus.google.com/events/ciopq0tcu12eshli77qp37s2scc

Many other registrars cycle their domains through auction platforms like snap names and name jet. Few names actually end up in the pending delete status that you may have read about. My advice is to backorder the domain everywhere you can or hire someone to chase after the name on your behalf. It's really going to depend on where the domain is registered and where it is in this cycle.

If it's a really good name like herron.com and you see it "expired" it'll probably be renewed. There's a grace period, so the owner has plenty of time to renew a domain after the expiration you see in the whois.