There are five Latin American dances, namely Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.  Each have their own distinct character, style and technique.  (And no, the Tango is not Latin - it's actually a Ballroom dance)

Probably the most popular of the Latin dances, the Cha cha actually evolved from the Mambo and is danced as 5 steps, in 4 beats of music.  Cha cha music has a distinct 2, 3, 4&1 rhythmn and the speed is usually between 30 to 32 bars per minute (bpm).  The character of the dance is earthy, playful and flirtatious.   

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The Samba originates from Brazil and is the country's national dance.  It's a lively dance, danced with a soft bounce action through the knees.  It's usually (but definitely not always!) counted 1a2, 2a2; danced in an anti-clockwise direction around the dance floor and music speed would be about 50 bpm.

The Rumba is the dance of love.  There are 3 steps in 4 beats of music.  The last beat of music is used to complete the transfer of weight and hip movement.  The counting is 2, 3, 4, 1 (or 2, 3, 4, "hip").  Music speed is between 24 to 27 bpm.  The dance is earthy, sensual and verrry romantic.

The Paso Doble depicts a Spanish Bullfight where the man is the Matador and the lady is his beautiful cape (not the bull).  Funnily enough, the dance was popularised in Paris, France, which explains the French names for many of the figures.  Paso Doble actually means "two step" refering to the marching nature of the steps.  The speed of the music is around 60 bpm.  The character of the dance is strong and proud, with the man dominating his partner at all times.

JIVE

The Jive is an American dance.  It's fast (40 to 44 bpm), fun and lively.  In social dancing, the emphasis is on feet pressure and hip swing.  For competitions, it's bounce and energy, with lots of flicks and kicks.  

What about Salsa, Mambo and Merengue? Click here for Alternative Latin.

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