There is one license in the US, with different ratings. Each rating requires a checkride with an FAA designated examiner. An endorsement is something that an instructor can give you, like a tailwheel endorsement for a power pilot or a motorglider endorsement for a glider pilot.
I have given many rides to friends and family over the years. That is one of the benefits of a club, having access to two seaters for this purpose. The commercial operations I've flown at also have two seaters to rent, and they let anybody qualified and checked out with their instructor take passengers.
-- IFMU