What is the difference between being schizophrenic and bipolar?

Mood versus thoughts: Generally bipolar is a condition that primarily results in a disturbance in mood (mania or depression) - any psychotic symptoms (false beliefs, voices, etcetera) occur only when the person is in an extreme mood. Schizophrenia is a disorder that primarily affects thought (delusions or false beliefs, voices, strange connections). There are people who have a bit of both (schizoaffective).

Moods vs Thoughts: Bipolar disorder mostly affects a person's moods, whereas schizophrenia affects a person's thoughts. While it is true that those with bipolar d/o can become psychotic, psychosis is really the hallmark of schizophrenia.