Domain Name vs. Web Hosting
A domain name is the address people use to find your website. Web hosting is the service that delivers the website at that address. You can buy them from the same company or keep your domain with a registrar and point it to a different host using DNS.
The distinction matters most when you move a website. You can usually keep your address and business email while changing where the site runs.
Compare Web Hosting ProvidersWhat Each Service Does
| Service | Job |
|---|---|
| Domain registration | Keeps the name registered to you for the paid term |
| DNS | Publishes the settings that direct website requests and incoming mail |
| Web hosting | Stores or runs the website and serves it to visitors |
| Email hosting | Runs the mailboxes and handles email for your domain |
How to Connect a Domain to a Host
Use the DNS settings your host provides for the main domain and the www version. The host may ask you to edit records at your current DNS provider or switch nameservers. If you switch nameservers, copy or recreate the existing mail and verification records first. Once the new site answers on both addresses, check HTTPS and send a test email in both directions.
Do You Need to Transfer the Domain?
Changing hosting usually requires updating DNS. Transferring the domain changes who handles the registration. I’d keep those decisions separate during a migration so I can verify the website and mail first. Keep the domain registration active and make sure your business controls the login and renewal notices.
Compare bundled and separate domain and hosting options.
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