What is the difference between pay period and pay date?

Pay period is the length of time you have been working for 1 particular paycheque (usually two weeks or a month). Pay date is the exact day the paycheque is issued. Pay Date is the date the paycheck is issued. Pay Period is the frequency that the pay is issued. For example: Monthly pay period or weekly pay period. I get paid 2 times a month and it goes to my bank on the day BEFORE the 15th and last day of the month OR if that falls on the weekend then the Friday before.