Well, I wasn't try to make a distinction so much as give a quick layman's expaination as to what they are, and that they basically accomplish the same task. Many people do prefer one over the other as far as reticle, ergos and battery life, and the two are indeed fundamentally different technology. It may not be much of a difference to the end user but it is enough to confuse the uninitiated. Regardless, it looks like the OP got the idea and won't be buying an optic anytime soon in favor of ammo and training.