Hash vs. Dash — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 13, 2024
Hash typically refers to a symbol (#) or a method of encryption, while dash is a punctuation mark (—) used to indicate a pause or range.
Difference Between Hash and Dash
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The hash symbol, also known as the pound sign in the US or hashtag in the context of social media, is widely recognized for its use in categorizing content online. It precedes keywords or phrases to facilitate search and organization. On the other hand, a dash—more specifically, the em dash—is longer than a hyphen and is used in sentences to create a break or indicate a range or connection between values in written text.
In computing, hash refers to the result of a hash function, which transforms input data into a fixed-size string of characters. This process is essential for data retrieval, password storage, and ensuring data integrity. Conversely, dash has no direct computational function but might appear in programming and command-line interfaces as a part of syntax or within string values, often to delineate commands or options.
The hash symbol is also employed in various international contexts, such as indicating numbers (e.g., #1 or "number one") or marking a space on a telephone keypad. Whereas, the dash is utilized in writing to connect or separate words and numbers, showing relationships like ranges between dates or times (e.g., 1999–2020).
On social media platforms, hash plays a crucial role in forming communities and trends through hashtags. These tags aggregate posts around common themes, making it easier for users to discover and engage with content. In contrast, dash does not serve a similar aggregating function in digital communication but continues to be an essential tool in writing for clarity and emphasis.
Culturally, the hash symbol has gained significant prominence due to its role in digital communication, symbolizing the shift towards online social interaction and information sharing. The dash, while a staple of traditional grammar and writing, adapts to new contexts, including digital writing, to convey nuance and structure in text-based communication.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A symbol (#) or method of encryption.
A punctuation mark (—) indicating a pause or range.
Use in Writing
Categorizes content on social media.
Indicates breaks or ranges in text.
Computing
Result of a hash function for data integrity.
Used in syntax or commands, no direct computational role.
Symbolic Use
Marks numbers or spaces on keypads.
Connects or separates words and numbers.
Social Media
Facilitates search and organization through tags.
Does not have a direct role in social media content tagging.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes digital communication trends.
Represents traditional grammar and adapts to digital use.
Compare with Definitions
Hash
Symbol for categorizing or tagging.
Use #fitness to find related posts.
Dash
Punctuation for pause or interruption.
He was the mystery guest—I couldn't believe it.
Hash
Output of a hash function in computing.
Passwords are stored as hashes.
Dash
Adapts to digital and traditional writing.
Em dashes are popular in online articles for dramatic pause.
Hash
Integral to digital communication.
Hashtags have revolutionized social media engagement.
Dash
Differentiates elements in writing.
The Paris–London flight was delayed.
Hash
Key on a telephone keypad.
Press # to return to the main menu.
Dash
Enhances readability and emphasis.
The secret ingredient—garlic—made all the difference.
Hash
Represents a number or issue.
Dial # for customer service.
Dash
Used to denote a range.
The years 2000–2020 were marked by significant technological advances.
Hash
A dish of chopped meat, potatoes, and sometimes vegetables, usually browned.
Dash
The dash is a punctuation mark that is similar in appearance to the hyphen and minus sign but differs from these symbols in length and, in some fonts, height above the baseline. The most common versions of the dash are the en dash –, longer than the hyphen; the em dash —, longer than the en dash; and the horizontal bar ―, whose length varies across typefaces but tends to be between those of the en and em dashes.
Hash
A jumble; a hodgepodge.
Dash
Run or travel somewhere in a great hurry
I must dash, I'm late
I dashed into the garden
Hash
(Informal) A mess
Made a hash of the project.
Dash
Strike or fling (something) somewhere with great force, especially so as to have a destructive effect; hurl
The ship was dashed upon the rocks
Hash
A reworking or restatement of already familiar material.
Dash
Used to express mild annoyance
Dash it all, I am in charge
Hash
Hashish.
Dash
An act of running somewhere suddenly and hastily
She made a dash for the door
Hash
The symbol (#); the pound sign.
Dash
A small quantity of a liquid added to something else
Whisky with a dash of soda
Hash
To chop into pieces; mince.
Dash
A horizontal stroke in writing or printing to mark a pause or break in sense or to represent omitted letters or words.
Hash
(Informal) To make a mess of; mangle.
Dash
Impetuous or flamboyant vigour and confidence; panache
He has youthful energy, dash, and charisma
Hash
(Informal) To discuss carefully; review
Hash over future plans.
Hash out a solution.
Dash
Short for dashboard
An indicator on the dash tells you what gear you are in
Hash
Food, especially meat and potatoes, chopped and mixed together.
Dash
To move with haste; rush
Dashed into the room.
Dashed down the hall.
Hash
A confused mess.
Dash
To strike violently; smash
Waves dashing on the rocks.
Hash
(typography) The # symbol (octothorpe, pound).
Dash
To break or smash by striking violently
The ship was dashed upon the rocks.
Hash
(computing) The result generated by a hash function.
Dash
To hurl, knock, or thrust with sudden violence
Dashed the cup against the wall.
Hash
One guess made by a mining computer in the effort of finding the correct answer which releases the next unit of cryptocurrency; see also hashrate.
Dash
To remove by striking or wiping
Dash tears from one's face.
Hash
A new mixture of old material; a second preparation or exhibition; a rehashing.
Dash
To splash; bespatter
Dash water on one's face.
Hash
A hash run.
Dash
To write hastily. Often used with off
Dashed off a note to the dean.
Hash
(Scotland) A stupid fellow.
Dash
To drink hastily. Often used with down
Dashed down a glass of milk.
Hash
(informal) Hashish, a drug derived from the cannabis plant.
Dash
To add an enlivening or altering element to
A speech dashed with humor.
Hash
(transitive) To chop into small pieces, to make into a hash.
Dash
To affect by adding another element or ingredient to
Ice cream that was dashed with rum.
Hash
To make a quick, rough version. en
We need to quickly hash up some plans.
Dash
To destroy or wreck
Our hopes were dashed by the news.
Hash
To transform according to a hash function.
Dash
To discourage or dispirit
"This discouraging information a little dashed the child" (Charles Dickens).
Hash
To make a mess of (something); to ruin.
Dash
To damn.
Hash
That which is hashed or chopped up; meat and vegetables, especially such as have been already cooked, chopped into small pieces and mixed.
Dash
A swift, violent blow or stroke
Knocked the books to the floor with an impatient dash of his hand.
Hash
A new mixture of old matter; a second preparation or exhibition.
I can not bear elections, and still less the hash of them over again in a first session.
Dash
A splash
Threw a dash of water on my face.
Hash
Hashish.
Dash
A small amount of an added ingredient
A dash of sherry.
Hash
To chop into small pieces; to mince and mix; as, to hash meat.
Dash
A quick stroke, as with a pencil or brush.
Hash
Chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned
Dash
A sudden movement; a rush
Made a dash for the exit.
Hash
Purified resinous extract of the hemp plant; used as a hallucinogen
Dash
(Sports) A footrace, usually less than a quarter-mile long, run at top speed from the outset.
Hash
Chop up;
Hash the potatoes
Dash
A spirited quality in action or style; verve.
Dash
Either of two symbols, an emdash or an endash, used in writing and in printing.
Dash
In Morse and similar codes, the long sound or signal used in combination with the dot and silent intervals to represent letters or numbers.
Dash
A dashboard.
Dash
(typography) Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).
Dash
(computing) A hyphen or minus sign.
Dash
(by extension) The longer of the two symbols of Morse code.
Dash
A short run, flight.
When the feds came they did the dash.
Dash
A rushing or violent onset.
Dash
Violent strike; a whack.
Dash
A small quantity of a liquid substance etc.; less than 1/8 of a teaspoon.
Add a dash of vinegar.
Dash
A slight admixture.
There is a dash of craziness in his personality.
Dash
Ostentatious vigor.
Aren't we full of dash this morning?
Dash
A dashboard.
Dash
A bribe or gratuity; a gift.
Dash
A stand-in for a censored word, like "Devil" or "damn". (Compare deuce.)
Dash
The dashboard of a Tumblr user.
Dash
(intransitive) To run quickly or for a short distance.
He dashed across the field.
Dash
To leave or depart.
I have to dash now. See you soon.
Dash
(transitive) To destroy by striking (against).
He dashed the bottle against the bar and turned about to fight.
Dash
(transitive) To throw violently.
The man was dashed from the vehicle during the accident.
Dash
To sprinkle; to splatter.
Dash
To ruin; to destroy.
Her hopes were dashed when she saw the damage.
Dash
(transitive) To dishearten; to sadden.
Her thoughts were dashed to melancholy.
Dash
To complete hastily.
He dashed down his eggs.
She dashed off her homework.
Dash
(transitive) To draw or write quickly; jot.
Dash
Damn in forming oaths.
Dash his impudence! Who is that scoundrel?
Dash
(euphemistic) Damn!
Dash
To throw with violence or haste; to cause to strike violently or hastily; - often used with against.
If you dash a stone against a stone in the botton of the water, it maketh a sound.
Dash
To break, as by throwing or by collision; to shatter; to crust; to frustrate; to ruin.
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
A brave vessel, . . . Dashed all to pieces.
To perplex and dashMaturest counsels.
Dash
To put to shame; to confound; to confuse; to abash; to depress.
Dash the proud gamester in his gilded car.
Dash
To form or sketch rapidly or carelessly; to execute rapidly, or with careless haste; - with off; as, to dash off a review or sermon.
Dash
To erase by a stroke; to strike out; knock out; - with out; as, to dash out a word.
Dash
To rush with violence; to move impetuously; to strike violently; as, the waves dash upon rocks.
[He] dashed through thick and thin.
On each hand the gushing waters play,And down the rough cascade all dashing fall.
Dash
Violent striking together of two bodies; collision; crash.
Dash
A sudden check; abashment; frustration; ruin; as, his hopes received a dash.
Dash
A rapid movement, esp. one of short duration; a quick stroke or blow; a sudden onset or rush; as, a bold dash at the enemy; a dash of rain.
She takes upon her bravely at first dash.
Dash
Energy in style or action; animation; spirit.
Dash
A vain show; a blustering parade; a flourish; as, to make or cut a great dash.
Dash
A mark or line [-], in writing or printing, denoting a sudden break, stop, or transition in a sentence, or an abrupt change in its construction, a long or significant pause, or an unexpected or epigrammatic turn of sentiment. Dashes are also sometimes used instead of marks or parenthesis.
Dash
The sign of staccato, a small mark [ ] denoting that the note over which it is placed is to be performed in a short, distinct manner.
Dash
A short, spirited effort or trial of speed upon a race course; - used in horse racing, when a single trial constitutes the race.
Dash
Distinctive and stylish elegance;
He wooed her with the confident dash of a cavalry officer
Dash
A quick run
Dash
A footrace run at top speed;
He is preparing for the 100-yard dash
Dash
A punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
Dash
The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code
Dash
The act of moving with great haste;
He made a dash for the door
Dash
Run or move very quickly or hastily;
She dashed into the yard
Dash
Break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over;
Smash a plate
Dash
Hurl or thrust violently;
He dashed the plate against the wall
Waves were dashing against the rock
Dash
Destroy or break;
Dashed ambitions and hopes
Dash
Cause to lose courage;
Dashed by the refusal
Dash
Add an enlivening or altering element to;
Blue paint dashed with white
Common Curiosities
How does hashing work in computing?
Hashing transforms input of any size into a fixed-size string, which is used for data retrieval, storage, and integrity checks in computing.
Is there a cultural significance to the use of hashtags?
Yes, hashtags symbolize the shift towards online social interaction and the way we share and discover information on digital platforms.
How does a dash function in a sentence?
A dash functions to create a break in a sentence, adding emphasis or indicating an interruption or additional information.
How is a dash represented in different writing systems?
While the representation of a dash is consistent across many writing systems, its usage and rules can vary slightly in different languages.
Can the hash function be reversed?
Hash functions are designed to be one-way operations, making it computationally infeasible to reverse the process and retrieve the original input from the hash output.
Why is the dash important in writing?
The dash adds nuance and clarity to writing, allowing authors to emphasize points, indicate pauses, and manage the flow of their sentences more dynamically.
Can the hash symbol be used in mathematics?
Yes, the hash symbol can indicate numbers, such as #1 for "number one," though it's more commonly associated with tagging in digital contexts.
How has the role of the hash symbol evolved with technology?
The hash symbol has evolved from a simple marker to a pivotal tool in digital communication, especially in social media for tagging and categorizing content.
Can dashes be used interchangeably with commas or parentheses?
Dashes can sometimes be used interchangeably with commas or parentheses for adding information or emphasis, but they often convey a stronger break or emphasis.
What is the primary use of a hash in digital platforms?
The hash symbol is primarily used for tagging and categorizing content on digital platforms, facilitating search and organization.
What are the different types of dashes and their uses?
The main types of dashes are the em dash (—) for pause or interruption and the en dash (–) for indicating ranges or connections.
What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?
A hyphen (-) connects words and syllables, while a dash (—) is used for emphasis, pauses, or indicating ranges in text.
How do hashtags affect content discovery on social media?
Hashtags improve content discovery by aggregating posts under common themes, making it easier for users to find and engage with content related to specific topics or interests.
Are dashes used in digital communication?
Yes, dashes are used in digital communication to improve readability and add stylistic emphasis, similar to their use in traditional writing.
What impact do hashtags have on social media marketing?
Hashtags significantly impact social media marketing by increasing visibility, fostering community engagement, and enhancing content discoverability.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Greenstone vs. Serpentine
Next Comparison
Holmes vs. HomesAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj 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.
