Passes are typically attempted by the quarterback, but any offensive player can attempt a pass provided they are behind the line of scrimmage. To qualify as a passing play, the ball must have initially moved forward after leaving the hands of the passer; if the ball initially moved laterally or backwards, the play would instead be considered a running play. A player who catches a forward pass is called a receiver.
In football, quarterbacks typically initiate passes, but any offensive player can attempt one if they're behind the line of scrimmage and the ball advances forward after being released by the passer; if it moves sideways or backwards, it's considered a running play. The player who catches the advancing ball is known as a receiver.