Full Idea
There are two notions of direct reference, the strong Millian notion (where the expression is like a 'tag' with no satisfaction mechanism), and the weaker Kaplanian notion (where reference is compatible with carrying a descriptive meaning).
Gist of Idea
Direct reference is strong Millian (just a tag) or weak Kaplanian (allowing descriptions as well)
Source
François Recanati (Mental Files [2012], 17.3)
Book Reference
Recanati,François: 'Mental Files' [OUP 2012], p.231
A Reaction
I immediately favour the Millian view, which gives a minimal basis for reference, as just a 'peg' (Marcus) to hang things on. I don't take a Millian reference to be the object itself. The concept of a 'tag' or 'label' is key. Mental files have tags.
Related Idea
Idea 16387 Reference by mental files is Millian, in emphasising acquaintance, rather than satisfaction [Recanati]