Key difference: Flying is something that is done by birds, planes and/or Superman. Think of how these things move in the air. They have purpose, direction; they have control over their movements. They can go where they want or where they are supposed to go, i.e. from point A to point B. Floating, however, is completely different. Think about a beach ball in the pool. The ball is lighter than water, hence it floats. However, the ball cannot control its movements. It may float in the same place, or it will move according to the waves and ripples in the pool.

Flying and floating are two different words that often denote something that is in movement, usually in the sky. However, the main difference between the two is that floating does not necessarily mean in the air. One can float on water, in the air, etc., while flying is usually in the air. Think about that line, “It’s a bird! A plane! It’s Superman!” These are all things that fly.

According to Dictionary.com, the word floating is defined as:

• Being buoyed up on water or other liquid.
• Having little or no attachment to a particular place; moving from one place to another: a floating work force.
• Pathology. Away from its proper position, especially in a downward direction: a floating kidney.
• Not fixed or settled in a definite place or state: a floating population.
• In circulation or use, or not permanently invested, as capital.
• Composed of sums due within a short time: a floating debt.

While, flying is defined as:

• Making flight or passing through the air; that flies: a flying insect; an unidentified flying object.
• Floating, fluttering, waving, hanging, or moving freely in the air: flying banners; flying hair.
• Extending through the air.
• Moving swiftly.
• Made while moving swiftly: a flying leap.

Hence, it can be seen that flying and floating are two different states. As stated before, flying is something that is done by birds, planes and/or Superman. Think of how these things move in the air. They have purpose, direction; they have control over their movements. They can go where they want or where they are supposed to go, i.e. from point A to point B.

Floating, however, is completely different. Think about a beach ball in the pool. The ball is lighter than water, hence it floats. However, the ball cannot control its movements. It may float in the same place, or it will move according to the waves and ripples in the pool. Similarly, another example is a feather in the wind. It cannot choose where it will go; it is just carried around with the wind.

Scientifically, it can be said that to float is to ‘achieve a height equal to your density in another medium.’ For example: A hot air balloon will float at a certain height depending on thermals and the temperature and volume of the air in the balloon. Flying, on the other hand, is ‘to move in a forward direction, supported by air under a wing creating higher pressure underneath and lower pressure on top.’ For example: A bird flying using the air current under the wing to propel them.

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