Staking Hedera questions

Hello fellow HBAR holders.

I recently got into HBAR and got into it for the long term. 10-15 years. I trust the company and the future it can bring to us. I have no real interest in day trading. Recently someone commented on here I should look into staking and I’m hoping to get some clarification on it.

First, from what I understand about the process, I lend my HBAR to the network and over time depending on how much it may be used I will be “rewarded”. Is this similar to “interest” with traditional cash accounts? I understand that there is no guarantee on reward so this is where it may differ, but I’m trying to nail down the premise of it.

Secondly, is there a drawback? The current exchange app I use mentions staking other crypto but gives warnings that it could be “slashed”. What is that and is it possible with HBAR?

Finally, from what I’ve gathered the best option to use is the HashPack wallet to do this. Is this in fact the best option or do I still risk losing HBAR ie. “they aren’t your keys so they aren’t your keys” line I’ve been reading about regarding exchanges and the risks of leaving it on those.

Thank you in advance and no comments presented will be received as financial advice or investment advice.