Key Differences Behind the Vape Difference Between Vaping and Smoking Difference Between Vaping vs Smoking Vaping and Electronic Cigarette (E Cigarette) Products Cattaraugus County Website Vaping is the act of inhaling a heated, aerosolized substance. It is critical to distinguish vaping from smoking. Smoking is the inhalation of a burned substance. The main difference between the two Vaping is on the rise. While e cigarettes don't contain tobacco, they may still contain many of the same toxic and cancer causing chemicals found in regular cigarettes. This includes: Acrolein (weed