What are some of the differences between porcelain tile and ceramic tile?

The use of the Words porcelain and ceramic to describe tiles is somewhat confusing as most are described as ceramic, then divided between porcelain and non-porcelain. The main differences are that porcelain tiles are denser, smoother and more impervious to moisture, whereas ceramic or non-porcelain tiles are softer. Therefore porcelain tiles are more suitable for areas that get harder wear.