Generation X, or "Xers," refers to those born in the United States between 1960 and 1980 and Generation Y, also known as "Millennials," refers to those born between 1980 and 2000. An examination of these two generations is important to educators as the new generation of Millennials begins to access higher education. A large and growing body of literature about the characteristics of these two generations was reviewed. There is a natural human tendency to label a group of people to try to make sense of their behaviors, but there is a danger of stereotyping with this technique. However, the literature suggests that core traits of "Xers" include being emotionally repressed, using friends as surrogate family, valuing diversity, thinking globally, being independent, tecno-literate, libertarian, and pragmatic. Millennials are more collective, a generation that has been bred for success. Millennials are more likely to value their elders, more likely to be socially responsible and more likely to value religion. Both groups are heavy consumers of education, who are appreciative of diversity, technologically savvy, and practical. Further examination will be necessary to determine the performance of Millennials in the workplace. Also important would be an in-depth study of the quarter-life crisis phenomenon. (Contains 17 references.) (SLD)