DTO (data transfer object) is generally read-only and used to pass information between tiers. It has state and little or no behavior. BO (business object) is generally mutable and can also be used to pass information within a tier or between tiers. It has state and behavior. However, people generally use the two terms synonymously. And as a caveat, many people have different conceptions of what these two terms mean. The above are mine. :^)
- Saish