What is the difference between a protection order or a expartay?

Ex Parte means that one party is speaking to the court without the other party present. In most cases, this is not permitted. However, in the realm of protective orders, it is common procedure to have one party submit a petition and make an ex parte request to the court immediately and then obtain a short term protective order until a hearing can be set, usually 1-2 weeks in the future. Then, both parties will be given the opportunity to present evidence, and the court will decide whether or not to issue a longer term protective order, such as for a year.
Ex Parte refers to communication between one party and the court, where the other party is not involved.

A protection order is where a court orders someone not to do something (usually not to have contact with someone) to protect them.

In some states, there is a procedure where a party can obtain an emergency ex parte order for protection for a short period of time (2 weeks) in order for the court to give notice and set a time for a hearing where the opposing party can appear and present evidence about whether or not a protective order is warranted.