In some places in the U.S. "ranch" is used as a short-hand to mean a one story house rather than referring to a specific style. Other terms for a ranch style house are American ranch, California ranch, ranch-style, rambler or rancher. The neighborhoods or suburbs where they are placed tend to have a few plans -- perhaps a mix of bungalow or colonial style homes, with more variation in looks created by mirror images and rotations of the floor plans. But over time the homeowners build on additions, grow different plants outdoors and do other things that give more variety to their homes.