Delete, Command Delete ? Rule?

[mark88]

Is there a rule that lets the user know whether delete or command delete is to be used to delete an item?

For example, in Adium delete alone will not delete a contact in the main table, yet in mail delete will delete an email.

 

[thewhitehart]

I believe that for the most part, to delete items within Apple designed apps, like contacts, you only need the delete key. As for files, it is command + delete. 3rd party apps have their own schemes, like Adium requiring command so you don't accidentally delete a contact.

 

[emptyCup]

Isn't the command in a menu somewhere (usually the Edit menu) along with its keyboard shortcut? The point of the Mac OS has always been that you did not have to memorize obscure stuff.