What are the differences between canned lighting and recessed lighting?

Canned lighting and recessed lighting are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two. Canned lighting refers to the fixture itself, which is typically a cylindrical metal can that houses the light bulb. Recessed lighting, on the other hand, refers to the installation method where the light fixture is set into the ceiling, creating a seamless and flush appearance. In essence, all canned lighting is recessed, but not all recessed lighting is canned.