What's theq difference between nightmares and night terrors?

Distinct Differences: Nightmares, dreams that evoke feelings of fear and horror, are considered normal. Night terrors, evoking feelings of dread or terror are considered a sleep disorder. Nightmares are much more common than night terrors. Subjects can usually recall the content of nightmares but not night terrors. Each occurs at different stages of sleep. Night terrors often cause more physical symptoms.

Definite differences: Some times the two are hard to tell apart. Night mares happen during rem sleep that is dream sleep, child usually wakes up crying and asking for help and comfort. Night terrors happen in nrem sleep that is deep sleep also known as stage 3 and 4 sleep. Child does not wake up, but shouts and thrashes, at times sweating and heavy breathing is seen. Child does respond to comfort.