Basic question here. What's the difference b/t shocks and struts? Specifically on my type of vehicle. Also, why do people lower the car? Performance based reasons, looks, other?

 

Your car has 4 shocks. Struts and shocks differ in how they mount to the suspension NOT whether or not the spring is on top of the damper or not.

Reasons to lower? All of the reasons you mentioned. Whether they are valid reasons, or the amount of lowering is appropriate is another matter.