What is the difference in matte and mask?

[jrod81]

I'm sorry to ask an obvious question but what is the difference in the terms and when do you use which- hmm, grammar?
thanks
jared

[bimdas]

in ae, a mask uses splines and a matte uses an image to create the alpha.

[Matt Grunau]

Essentially, nothing. Both define areas and tell After Effects what to display on a layer, and to what amount.

I use masks primarily when building effects in program and rotoscoping. Mattes I use more in compositing and blending the multi-elements for plates and such.