From time to time many of us will engage in casual or unconstrained conversation about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

There is some pleasure attained from gossip, it is after all about others (turns the focus of us) and because of its secret nature (just between us), it can be titillating.

Gossip to Rumors

With time and persistence gossip can become more widely circulated stories or reports of uncertain or doubtful truth.   These rumors can be impactful and damaging to their targets.

Closely associated with gossip and rumors is speculation., that is forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.  The sharing of this speculation, unless clearly labeled as such, can become gossip and lead to rumors.

Caution

While exchanging speculation about upcoming changes and events or gossiping about other people leading widespread rumors can have some entertainment value it is important to be careful not to offend or even libel someone.

Making sure that entertainment is focused on providing amusement or enjoyment, not at the expense of others, is key to avoiding malicious or libelous gossip or rumors.

The context of information sharing is really important.  How the message is delivered matters and if not clearly defined as speculative (for fun discussion) there is possible damage will be done.

Ultimately this might not just harm the subject of your gossip but could backfire against you.  To some degree, the rumor needs to have some believability or it will just be discarded outright as fantasy but making it seem too real can have dangerous consequences.