What are taps?
 

when referring to "taps" on a lipo battery is that just meaning the balancing tab? or are taps something different?

It refers to the group of smaller wires that exit the battery with the main leads. They are "tapped" into the tabs of the individual cells to allow for balancing.

Generally I use the term to descrive the balancing plug. The little metal thingys that are soldered together between the cells are called tabs. I can see where it may get confusing. Better to call the balance connector a plug, and the metal things tabs.

thanks, thats all i needed to know.