"earnest money" means: Money paid as a deposit to show intent to buy or to reserve an item to be purchased; especially, money accompanying an offer to buy real est.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.