What's the difference?

I will nod and smile even if I don't know exactly what the waiter or a co-worker is talking about when it comes to food terminology. Cooking with old recipes is challenging as well. I will then ask my husband or Google it for reference. Here is my list. Do you have any food words or phrases to add?

Sweet Potato vs. Yam
Americans use the two names interchangeably even in the grocery store, but technically they are two very different vegetables. I borrowed this picture from bonappetit.com. The sweet potato is on the left and the yam is on the right. Sweet potatoes with orange flesh are most common in the US, have a smooth skin, and sweet flavor. The real yam has a rough skin, white flesh, and bland taste.  

Stuffing vs. Dressing
Stuffing and dressing are the same food just applied in differently. Stuffing means to literally stuff the turkey while dressing refers to a side dish. References say US northerners commonly say stuffing while southerners say dressing. The regional aspect fits me having grown up in the northwest. When I hear the word dressing I think blue cheese, honey mustard, or vinaigrette.

Chicken Stock vs. Chicken Broth
According to the Food Network chicken stock is usually made from the bony parts and has richer flavor. Chicken broth is made from the meat. Stock vs. broth is an important difference if you're deglazing a saute pan because they have different gelatin ratios.

Hot Cakes vs. Pancakes
The most common answer  is that it's a regional dialect thing in the US. Other names include flapjacks and griddlecakes. You're most likely going to call this breakfast item whatever you heard growing up. Wikipedia has an extensive page that goes into the international varieties and history of pancakes. Did you know there are 5 countries that celebrate a form of "pancake day?"

Queso vs. Cheese

Queso in Spanish means cheese. In the US "queso" is used to describe a variety of cheese or dish. Queso blanco is a white cheese and queso fresco is a fresh cheese found at specialty markets. If you see queso on the menu, especially in Texas, you will be ordering a cheese dip.

Basting Oil vs. Olive Oil
Basting oil actually has olive oil in it. Other inquiring minds seem mystified by this term and believe it's a marketing invention for mixed oils with herbs. Basting oil is commonly used for searing pan-searing meat and seafood.