The article discusses the complex optical properties of metallic particles and surfaces, particularly their interactions with fluorophores. It highlights the phenomenon of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), where fluorophores near metals can either enhance or quench fluorescence. The author proposes a radiating plasmon (RP) model to explain these effects, suggesting that the ability of a metal to enhance or quench fluorescence depends on whether the induced plasmons can radiate into the surrounding medium. The model explains why fluorophores close to metal surfaces can enhance fluorescence through surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) but can also be quenched by lossy surface waves (LSWs). The article also delves into the theoretical foundations of these interactions, including the role of wavevector matching at interfaces and the optical properties of metals and their colloids. The RP model provides a rational approach for designing fluorophore-metal configurations with desired emissive properties, offering new opportunities for fluorescence detection in biological and medical applications.The article discusses the complex optical properties of metallic particles and surfaces, particularly their interactions with fluorophores. It highlights the phenomenon of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), where fluorophores near metals can either enhance or quench fluorescence. The author proposes a radiating plasmon (RP) model to explain these effects, suggesting that the ability of a metal to enhance or quench fluorescence depends on whether the induced plasmons can radiate into the surrounding medium. The model explains why fluorophores close to metal surfaces can enhance fluorescence through surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) but can also be quenched by lossy surface waves (LSWs). The article also delves into the theoretical foundations of these interactions, including the role of wavevector matching at interfaces and the optical properties of metals and their colloids. The RP model provides a rational approach for designing fluorophore-metal configurations with desired emissive properties, offering new opportunities for fluorescence detection in biological and medical applications.