Hello, I’m new to navigation and have been trying to get a handle on the different terms used. I keep coming across “bearing” and “heading” in my readings, and I’m a bit confused about how they differ.
Could someone explain the difference between bearing and heading? How do they relate to each other in navigation, and when should each term be used? Any examples or practical applications would be really helpful… 
Bearing the direction of an item from your current location, measured in degrees from North while heading is the direction your vessel or aircraft is currently facing measured in degrees from North.
Hello! I’m new to navigation myself and had the same confusion about “bearing” and “heading.” Here’s what I’ve learned: bearing refers to the direction of one point from another, usually expressed in degrees from North (e.g., 45° NE). It’s a fixed reference that helps you identify where you are relative to a destination. Heading, on the other hand, is the direction your vehicle or vessel is currently moving toward, and it can change with your course adjustments. For example, if you’re steering a boat and your heading is 90°, you’re moving east. If your destination is at a bearing of 90°, you should adjust your heading to match that bearing. Understanding both helps in accurately navigating and adjusting your route. I hope this clarifies things for you!