I can either bet or check correct? I was playing NL Texas Hold Em' and the people laughed at me and said YOU CAN'T CHECK and I heard "How long have you been playing this."

You CAN check right? I was out of it that day but I know I was the first person to start after the flop, you do not HAVE TO BET right? I just put in 50c chip and it was all ok...

and another question: Whats the difference between antes and blinds.

I know blind as in big blind, little blind, 2 players left of dealer or whatever but what about antes?