Some things these terms have in common is that these were all groups of colonists who chose to be a part of. Like for ex. colonists decided whether or not they wanted to stay loyal (loyalist) or to separate from Britain (patriot). The colonists had a say in whether they wanted to be a part of the Continental Congress or a minuteman. Minutemen & Patriots are in common in a way b/c they both had to do with being a soldier or supporting war.