Red star next to my name?

[Apdemic]

Hey, another new player here!

So I just started playing the game a few days ago, got a character to level 30 or so, bought the game and started a new char to play as Au Ra. Loving it so far.
I went with gladiator on the Au Ra and just had my first dungeon. Let's just say I didn't do too well as a tank right off the start.
Got instantly flamed for it and apoligized, saying that I'm new. Two players promptly called bs, saying that I have a red star next to my name, so I'm clearly not a new player followed by more not so nice things.

What were they talking about and why does it mark me as an experienced player, according to them?
Looking at my own name I only see a pretty little plant next to it...