What's the difference between breathing and snoring?

Sleep and noise: We breathe all day long and if the nose and throat are clear, it is clear, and with minimal noise. Snoring typically occurs during sleep if breathing passages are obstructed, and has classical sounds from throat, mouth and nose. People who snore sometimes also have lapses in their breath, called apnea, but one can have apnea without snoring as well.

Amount of space: Soft tissues of the pharynx from the hard palate to the epiglottis can relax and narrow when sleeping. As the air makes its way through the narrowing a snoring sound is produced. This occurs while attempting to breathe in and out. If the space remains open substantially there would not be snoring.

Snoring: Breathing is essential to life. Snoring is the result of tissues vibrating during obstructive attempts at breathing.