title: Difference between object and instance
body: <p>I know this sort of question has been <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2290422/what-is-the-difference-between-object-and-instance">asked</a> <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1215881/the-difference-between-classes-objects-and-instances">before</a>, but I still feel that the answer is too ambiguous for me (and, by extension, some/most beginners) to grasp.</p>
  
  <p>I have been trying to teach myself broader concepts of programming than procedural and basic OOP.  I understand the concrete concepts of OOP (you make a class that has data (members) and functions (methods) and then instantiate that class at run time to actually do stuff, that kind of thing).</p>
  
  <p>I think I have a handle on what a class is (<em>sort of a design blueprint for an instance to be created in its likeness at compile time</em>).  But if that's the case, what is an object?  I also know that in prototype based languages, this can muck things up even more, but perhaps this is why there needs to be a clear distinction between object and instance in my mind.</p>
  
  <p>Beyond that, I struggle with the concepts of "object" and "instance".  A lot of resources that I read (including answers at SO) say that they are largely the same and that the difference is in semantics.  Other people say that there is a true conceptual difference between the two.</p>
  
  <p>Can the experts here at SO help a beginner have that "aha" moment to move forward in the world of OOP?  </p>
  
  <p>Note: this isn't homework, I don't go to school - however, I think it would help people that are looking for homework help.</p>