Ask Difference

House vs. Dwelling — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
House refers specifically to a building designed for residential use, often for a single family; dwelling is a more general term that encompasses any place where people live.
House vs. Dwelling — What's the Difference?

Difference Between House and Dwelling

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Key Differences

A house is typically a stand-alone structure built for habitation by a single family, designed with multiple rooms such as bedrooms, a kitchen, and living areas. Dwelling, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to any living space used as a residence, including apartments, trailers, and even temporary shelters.
Houses usually come with ownership rights and are considered real estate investments. Whereas dwellings might not necessarily involve ownership, as the term can include rental properties and leased spaces.
Architecturally, houses are often designed with specific styles and can vary greatly in size and luxury. In contrast, dwellings are defined simply by their function as human habitation, without implying any particular form or structure.
Typically, houses provide more privacy and space, often featuring yards and separate family areas. On the other hand, dwellings such as apartments might offer less space and privacy but provide benefits like affordability and lower maintenance.
In legal and formal contexts, 'house' implies a certain solidity and permanence. Dwelling, however, is used in legal contexts to encompass any place used as a residence, emphasizing the function rather than the form.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

A building for human residence, typically for a single family.
Any place where people live.

Ownership

Often owned by its occupants or by landlords.
Can be owned, rented, or leased.

Structure

Fixed, permanent, and often freestanding.
Can be permanent or temporary, fixed or mobile.

Architectural Style

Specific styles and constructions.
Not specified by the term.

Space and Privacy

Generally more space and privacy.
Space and privacy can vary widely.

Compare with Definitions

House

A building for human residence.
They moved into a spacious house last year.

Dwelling

A place where people live.
The new apartment complex includes over 300 dwellings.

House

A dwelling place constructed as a permanent home.
Their new house features a modern design.

Dwelling

A habitation for individuals or families.
The company provides dwellings for all its workers.

House

A property intended for family occupancy.
The Jones family bought a house with a large backyard.

Dwelling

Any inhabited structure.
That building has been a dwelling for many decades.

House

A residence typically owned by the occupants.
They finally paid off their house.

Dwelling

A legal term for any residential accommodation.
The law defines dwellings to include all rental properties.

House

A standalone residential structure.
Their house is the last one on the block.

Dwelling

A residence, possibly temporary or permanent.
Mobile homes are considered dwellings.

House

A house is a single-unit residential building, which may range in complexity from a rudimentary hut to a complex structure of wood, masonry, concrete or other material, outfitted with plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Houses use a range of different roofing systems to keep precipitation such as rain from getting into the dwelling space.

Dwelling

In law, a dwelling (also residence, abode) is a self-contained unit of accommodation used by one or more households as a home - such as a house, apartment, mobile home, houseboat, vehicle, or other "substantial" structure. The concept of a dwelling has significance in relation to search and seizure, conveyancing of real property, burglary, trespass, and land-use planning.

House

A building for human habitation, especially one that consists of a ground floor and one or more upper storeys
House prices
A house of Cotswold stone

Dwelling

A house, flat, or other place of residence
The proposed dwelling is out of keeping with those nearby

House

A building in which people meet for a particular activity
A house of prayer

Dwelling

A place to live in; an abode.

House

A religious community that occupies a particular building
The Cistercian house at Clairvaux

Dwelling

A house or place in which a person lives; a habitation, a home.
The old house served as a dwelling for Albert.

House

A legislative or deliberative assembly
The sixty-member National Council, the country's upper house

Dwelling

Present participle of dwell

House

A style of electronic dance music typically having sparse, repetitive vocals and a fast beat
DJs specializing in techno, garage, and house

Dwelling

Habitation; place or house in which a person lives; abode; domicile.
Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons.
God will deignTo visit oft the dwellings of just men.
Philip's dwelling fronted on the street.

House

A twelfth division of the celestial sphere, based on the positions of the ascendant and midheaven at a given time and place, and determined by any of a number of methods.

Dwelling

Housing that someone is living in;
He built a modest dwelling near the pond
They raise money to provide homes for the homeless

House

Old-fashioned term for bingo

House

(of an animal or plant) kept in, frequenting, or infesting buildings.

House

Relating to a firm, institution, or society
A house journal

House

Provide with shelter or accommodation
They converted a disused cinema to house twelve employees

House

Provide space for; contain or accommodate
The museum houses a collection of Roman sculpture

House

A structure serving as a dwelling for one or more persons, especially for a family.

House

A household or family.

House

Something, such as a burrow or shell, that serves as a shelter or habitation for a wild animal.

House

A dwelling for a group of people, such as students or members of a religious community, who live together as a unit
A sorority house.

House

A building that functions as the primary shelter or location of something
A carriage house.
The lion house at the zoo.

House

A building devoted to a particular activity
A customs house.
A house of worship.

House

A facility, such as a theater or restaurant, that provides entertainment or food for the public
A movie house.
The specialty of the house.

House

The seating area in such an establishment
Dimmed the lights in the house to signal the start of the show.

House

The audience or patrons of such an establishment
A full house.

House

A commercial firm
A brokerage house.

House

A publishing company
A house that specializes in cookbooks.

House

A gambling casino.

House

(Slang) A house of prostitution.

House

A residential college within a university.

House

Often House A legislative or deliberative assembly.

House

The hall or chamber in which such an assembly meets.

House

A quorum of such an assembly.

House

Often House A family line including ancestors and descendants, especially a royal or noble family
The House of Orange.

House

One of the 12 parts into which the heavens are divided in astrology.

House

The sign of the zodiac indicating the seat or station of a planet in the heavens. Also called mansion.

House

House music.

House

To provide living quarters for; lodge
The cottage housed ten students.

House

To shelter, keep, or store in a house or other structure
A library housing rare books.

House

To fit (something) into a socket or mortise.

House

(Nautical) To secure or stow safely.

House

To reside; dwell.

House

To take shelter.

House

A structure built or serving as an abode of human beings.
This is my house and my family's ancestral home.

House

An apartment building within a public housing estate.

House

(uncountable) Size and quality of residential accommodations.

House

A building intended to contain a single household, as opposed to an apartment or condominium or building containing these.

House

The people who live in a house; a household.

House

A building used for something other than a residence (typically with qualifying word).
The former carriage house had been made over into a guest house.
On arriving at the zoo, we immediately headed for the monkey house.

House

A place of business; a company or organisation, especially a printing press, a publishing company, or a couturier.
A small publishing house would have a contract with an independent fulfillment house.

House

A place of public accommodation or entertainment, especially a public house, an inn, a restaurant, a theatre, or a casino; or the management thereof.
One more, sir, then I'll have to stop serving you – rules of the house, I'm afraid.
The house always wins.

House

(historical) A workhouse.

House

The audience for a live theatrical or similar performance.

House

A theatre.
After her swan-song, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

House

(politics) A building where a deliberative assembly meets; whence the assembly itself, particularly a component of a legislature.
The petition was so ridiculous that the house rejected it after minimal debate.

House

A dynasty; a family with its ancestors and descendants, especially a royal or noble one.
A curse lay upon the House of Atreus.

House

(metaphorical) A place of rest or repose.

House

A grouping of schoolchildren for the purposes of competition in sports and other activities.
I was a member of Spenser house when I was at school.

House

An animal's shelter or den, or the shell of an animal such as a snail, used for protection.

House

(astrology) One of the twelve divisions of an astrological chart.

House

(cartomancy) The fourth Lenormand card.

House

A square on a chessboard, regarded as the proper place of a piece.

House

(curling) The four concentric circles where points are scored on the ice.

House

Lotto; bingo.

House

(uncountable) A children's game in which the players pretend to be members of a household.
As the babysitter, Emma always acted as the mother whenever the kids demanded to play house.

House

A small stand of trees in a swamp.

House

(sudoku) A set of cells in a Sudoku puzzle which must contain each digit exactly once, such as a row, column, or 3×3 box in classic Sudoku.

House

(music genre) House music.

House

(transitive) To keep within a structure or container.
The car is housed in the garage.

House

(transitive) To admit to residence; to harbor.

House

To take shelter or lodging; to abide; to lodge.

House

To dwell within one of the twelve astrological houses.

House

(transitive) To contain or cover mechanical parts.

House

(transitive) To contain one part of an object for the purpose of locating the whole.
The joists were housed into the side walls, rather than being hung from them.

House

(obsolete) To drive to a shelter.

House

(obsolete) To deposit and cover, as in the grave.

House

(nautical) To stow in a safe place; to take down and make safe.
To house the upper spars

House

To eat.

House

A structure intended or used as a habitation or shelter for animals of any kind; but especially, a building or edifice for the habitation of man; a dwelling place, a mansion.
Houses are built to live in; not to look on.
Bees with smoke and doves with noisome stenchAre from their hives and houses driven away.

House

Household affairs; domestic concerns; particularly in the phrase to keep house. See below.

House

Those who dwell in the same house; a household.
One that feared God with all his house.

House

A family of ancestors, descendants, and kindred; a race of persons from the same stock; a tribe; especially, a noble family or an illustrious race; as, the house of Austria; the house of Hanover; the house of Israel.
The last remaining pillar of their house,The one transmitter of their ancient name.

House

One of the estates of a kingdom or other government assembled in parliament or legislature; a body of men united in a legislative capacity; as, the House of Lords; the House of Commons; the House of Representatives; also, a quorum of such a body. See Congress, and Parliament.

House

A firm, or commercial establishment.

House

A public house; an inn; a hotel.

House

A twelfth part of the heavens, as divided by six circles intersecting at the north and south points of the horizon, used by astrologers in noting the positions of the heavenly bodies, and casting horoscopes or nativities. The houses were regarded as fixed in respect to the horizon, and numbered from the one at the eastern horizon, called the ascendant, first house, or house of life, downward, or in the direction of the earth's revolution, the stars and planets passing through them in the reverse order every twenty-four hours.

House

A square on a chessboard, regarded as the proper place of a piece.

House

An audience; an assembly of hearers, as at a lecture, a theater, etc.; as, a thin or a full house.

House

The body, as the habitation of the soul.
This mortal house I'll ruin,Do Cæsar what he can.

House

The grave.

House

To take or put into a house; to shelter under a roof; to cover from the inclemencies of the weather; to protect by covering; as, to house one's family in a comfortable home; to house farming utensils; to house cattle.
At length have housed me in a humble shed.
House your choicest carnations, or rather set them under a penthouse.

House

To drive to a shelter.

House

To admit to residence; to harbor.
Palladius wished him to house all the Helots.

House

To deposit and cover, as in the grave.

House

To stow in a safe place; to take down and make safe; as, to house the upper spars.

House

To take shelter or lodging; to abide to dwell; to lodge.
You shall not house with me.

House

A dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families;
He has a house on Cape Cod
She felt she had to get out of the house

House

An official assembly having legislative powers;
The legislature has two houses

House

A building in which something is sheltered or located;
They had a large carriage house

House

A social unit living together;
He moved his family to Virginia
It was a good Christian household
I waited until the whole house was asleep
The teacher asked how many people made up his home

House

A building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented;
The house was full

House

Members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments;
He worked for a brokerage house

House

Aristocratic family line;
The House of York

House

The members of a religious community living together

House

The audience gathered together in a theatre or cinema;
The house applauded
He counted the house

House

Play in which children take the roles of father or mother or children and pretend to interact like adults;
The children were playing house

House

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

House

The management of a gambling house or casino;
The house gets a percentage of every bet

House

Contain or cover;
This box houses the gears

House

Provide housing for;
The immigrants were housed in a new development outside the town

Common Curiosities

What legal protections are offered for houses versus other dwellings?

Houses, as property, often have extensive legal protections regarding ownership and residency rights. Other dwellings, like rentals, are protected under tenant laws, which can vary widely.

How do property taxes differ for houses compared to other types of dwellings?

Property taxes on houses are generally based on property value, which can include land and the structure itself. Taxes for other dwellings, like apartments, might be included in rental costs and based on different valuation methods.

Can the term 'dwelling' apply to non-residential structures?

No, the term 'dwelling' specifically refers to structures where people reside, thus it does not apply to non-residential structures.

What is the average size of a house compared to other dwellings?

Generally, houses are larger, offering more square footage compared to other types of dwellings like apartments or mobile homes.

Do environmental impact considerations differ between houses and other dwellings?

Yes, houses typically have a greater environmental impact due to their size and land use compared to more compact dwellings like apartments, which can be more energy-efficient.

Is a mobile home considered a house or a dwelling?

A mobile home is considered a dwelling due to its residential use, but not traditionally classified as a house because it is not a permanent, fixed structure.

How does the financing of a house differ from other dwellings?

Financing a house typically involves mortgages with long-term payment plans, whereas other dwellings, like apartments, might involve leases without the option to buy.

What makes a house typically more expensive than other dwellings?

The cost of a house usually includes land ownership, size, and construction materials, making it more expensive than other types of dwellings such as apartments.

How do repair and maintenance responsibilities differ between houses and other dwellings?

House owners are typically responsible for all maintenance and repairs, whereas in other dwellings, like rented apartments, these responsibilities might fall to the landlord.

How do safety standards differ between houses and other types of dwellings?

Safety standards for houses can include things like fireplaces and staircases, which have specific regulations, whereas other dwellings, particularly temporary ones, might focus more on general habitation safety.

Can a business operate in a house or other dwelling?

Yes, businesses can operate in both houses and other dwellings, depending on zoning laws and the nature of the business.

What are the cultural significances of houses compared to other dwellings?

Culturally, houses often symbolize stability and family heritage, whereas other dwellings might be seen as more transient or utilitarian.

Are there architectural requirements that distinguish a house from other dwellings?

Houses often have specific architectural requirements like foundations and roofing, which are more structured compared to other dwellings that might include prefabricated elements.

What types of services are typically associated with houses but not other dwellings?

Services like yard maintenance, waste disposal, and community amenities are more commonly associated with houses, especially in suburban areas.

How does the community setting differ between houses and other dwellings?

Houses are often located in residential neighborhoods with similar structures and community services, while other dwellings might be part of mixed-use developments or more densely populated areas.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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