Blockchain vs distributed ledger technology (DLT) are often confused but have distinct characteristics. Blockchain is a type of DLT that organizes data into blocks linked chronologically, emphasizing security and transparency through cryptographic hashing. DLT, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses any database spread across multiple locations, enabling decentralized control and consensus without a central authority. While all blockchains are DLTs, not all DLTs are blockchains, as some may use alternative structures and consensus mechanisms.