Reminds me of social worker/child abuse investigator talk. They get a "referral" to investigate. The "referral" is "ruled out" if there's nothing to it, "indicated" if there's something to it, and "substantiated" if there's enough evidence to refer the matter for court proceedings. The "substantiated referral" then becomes an "allegation" when a complaint is filed. It then is dismissed if not proven, or becomes an "adjudicated allegation" or "adjudication" if proven in court.