in shop terms loose, means that theres play in the tie rod end the tie rod end is basically a ball and socket...when they age they become dry and they wear,most of the time u are used to the way your car drives and steers so u dont notice this happening(is not an overnight thing it takes months or years to happen)....but....if they are loose this could be a dangerous condition if it breaks or comes apart u will loose steering control of your car...go get a second opinion from someone u trust and if they say the same thing...get them changed...its not a very expensive repair,and takes a half hour a side to do