A GCD action is classified on its tooltip as a Spell or Weaponskill. When you use it, it triggers a roughly 2.5s lockout where you can't use another GCD action. When a combo is active, using a GCD that is not the next combo action will cancel the combo.
An oGCD action is any non-Spell non-WeaponSkill action--either an Ability or blank (like Sprint). These do not trigger the GCD and are not locked out by it. They also do not interrupt combos. If you don't macro your actions you can fit up to two of these in between GCDs. If you're macroing your actions, your next GCD will be delayed if you try to use two oGCDs, and may even be delayed if you try to macro just one.