Lager refers to how a beer is made. Lager in German is a storehouse. The original purpose of lagers was to store the lager for the summer months. In the old days it was near impossible to brew beer in the summer. Beer was stored in caves for many months and cracked open in the summer. To do this, a new way of brewing was needed. The cool temperatures would kill ale type yeasts and spoil the brew. New "lager" yeasts were found and used. They are cool temperature yeasts that do their magic at the bottom of the cask, hence bottom fermentation.
Lagers are generally a smoother and more rounded beer. It is a counterpart to the bright and fresh taste of ales. The should be a bit sweeter on the front end and less hoppy on the back. And a lot of body in the middle.
Many lagers are based off of some specific style, but then are changed to become their own entity. For example, Sam Adams Boston Lager is based off of a pilsner style. It is no way is a cool and crisp pilsner. For these types they are labeled generically "lager". Perhaps over time there will be enough critical mass of beers to create a new style. Until then, lager will be used to describe its production method and leave its style to the imagination.
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