Stage patterns—defines a problem associated with a framework activity for the process. It includes multiple task patterns as well. For example, EstablishingCommunication would incorporate the task pattern RequirementsGathering and others.
Task patterns—defines a problem associated with a software engineering action or work task and relevant to successful software engineering practice
Phase patterns—define the sequence of framework activities that occur with the process, even when the overall flow of activities is iterative in nature. Example includes SprialModel or Prototyping.