Dissolve

In this mode, the color of any pixel is replaced by the base color. Not very useful when applied to a layer, on contrary, it can produce something nice on the effect.

Dissolve applied to a layer                                            Dissolve applied to an effect

                                     

Darken

When we apply this mode to a layer, Photoshop will retain those colors from the underlying layers that are darker than the colors of this layer and removes the lighter colors. Needless to say when we apply this to the effect, nothing of the “Outer Glow” would remain.
Darken applied to a layer                                          Darken applied to the effect

                                      

Darker color

As you may notice from the pictures below this mode produces no third color, sometimes same as Darker mode. Not very useful I think.
Darken                                                                           Darker color

                                      

Multiply

In contrast to the darker color mode, the multiplication mode, may be of help.
In the Multiply mode, we have a smooth transition of colors.
Photoshop actually multiplies the colors.
Original                                                                                Multiply

                                         

Color Burn and Linear Burn

The color burn mode results in a high ” darkening value” and saturated midrange. If you wish to apply only the darkening and want to avoid the saturated midrange, you choose Linear Burn.
Color Burn                                                                              Linear Burn.
                                           

If you wish your dark color of the Linear Burn mode to be somewhat lighter, set the value of the Fill box at 50% or less.

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