Someone correct me if i am wrong.
Passive takes the source signal and attenuates volume for the amplifier.
An "active" preamp will amplify the source signal some volts, attenuates, and sends the signal to the amp.
A linestage is a name given to a preamp that does not have a phono preamp inside. Could be passive or active.
A phono stage amplifies the TT signal, does some "eqing" (RIAA??) then goes into the preamp for attenuation, then to your amp.
