Hangouts is basically a texting app that is used for google users such as Chrome,Samsung and more
Because it was out dated - it has now been replaced by Google Hangouts.
Chatting on Gmail can be done via Hangouts. Hangouts is a way of one to one chatting. Earlier is was known as Google Now.
Google IM stands for Google Instant messaging. The name of the Google IM is hangouts. Earlier it was known as GTalk or Google talk.
Not one but there are various famous apps on Google Chrome. Hangouts, Play Music, Google Remote Desktop are some examples.
You cannot send an SMS using Hangouts. However when you send message to people via hangouts it appears as notifications. It is similar to an SMS service.
A bad thing that might happen
Chatting on Gmail is done through their IM. The name of IM of Google is Google Hangouts. It can be used for chatting to friends or groups.
Yes, it supported Gtalk or Google Talk. It is a product of Google for Instant Messaging. The IM of Google is now called as Hangouts.
One way to use the two in unison is to use Google Plus Hangouts On Air with Google Moderator. The link below provides an overview of the process.
It depends. It can be read by others unless you place it on private.
Google Hangouts, is the best Google+ feature so far. It is very distinct to what we can see on Facebook's Video Calling since Google+ allows you to share videos along with chatting with multiple people. Google+'s "circles" feature is also impressive. Overall, it's been a great start for Google+ and it has the potential to be the next big thing in the social media landscape.