What is the difference of a hot balloon and air balloon?

A hot air balloon uses heated air to create lift, as the warmer air inside the balloon is less dense than the cooler air outside. In contrast, an air balloon typically refers to any balloon filled with gas, such as helium or hydrogen, which can also achieve buoyancy but relies on the lighter-than-air properties of the gas rather than heated air. Thus, the primary difference lies in the method of achieving lift: heating air versus using a lighter gas.