I have very little knowledge about domains, but to make a long story short, I came across a domain that I'm interested in, and I found out that it was going to expire. Without knowing what else to do, I've just been counting down the days and checking the Whois information. Today, it finally expired, but instead of becoming available for registration again, it has been newly registered with SnapNames. After a lot of searching on Google, I'm still trying to understand what this means.

Has SnapNames acquired this domain because someone back-ordered it through them and has already won it? Or did they acquire it so they can sell it openly? Is it even possible to know, and what should I do now? Should I give up, or keep checking SnapNames in case they put it up for sale?

In this case, it appears that someone leveraged the back-order service offered by SnapNames to secure the domain once it became available.

Regarding your next steps, it's worthwhile to continue monitoring SnapNames to see if they decide to sell the domain. Sometimes, domains are acquired with the intention of resale, and they may become available again at a later point. You can also consider reaching out to SnapNames directly to express your interest in the domain and inquire about its status and potential availability. While there's no guarantee that the domain will become available for purchase, it's worth exploring all possible avenues to acquire it.

In the meantime, it's beneficial to broaden your search for alternative domain options. While missing out on a specific domain can be disappointing, there are often numerous other excellent domain choices available. By expanding your search and considering different domain possibilities, you may discover an option that aligns perfectly with your needs and objectives. Keep an open mind while continuing to pursue your domain acquisition goals.

You can keep an eye on SnapNames for any potential auction or sale, but understand that many domains acquired this way are often held for resale at a premium. If you're serious about this domain, consider reaching out to the current registrant via their contact details in the Whois record. However, be prepared for the possibility that they may not be willing to sell.