The discussion centers on the status of massive gauge bosons, specifically W and Z bosons, in quantum field theory (QFT) regarding their presence in in/out states. Participants debate whether these bosons, due to their finite lifetimes, can be considered real particles or if they are confined to virtual states within Feynman diagrams. While some argue that the observable tracks of W and Z bosons in detectors suggest their real existence, others emphasize that these particles are resonances and not asymptotic free states, thus limiting their classification. The distinction between resonances, which correspond to states in the Hilbert space, and virtual particles, which do not, is highlighted as crucial in understanding their role in QFT. Ultimately, the conversation reveals complexities in how different particle states are represented and interpreted in theoretical frameworks.