What’s the Difference Between a Domain Name and Web Hosting?

(Would a rose.com by any other name, smell as sweet?)

When you're getting your first website online, one of the most common questions people ask is: What's the difference between a domain name and web hosting? The terms are often used together, but they refer to two very different parts of building a website.

To put it simply: a domain is the name of your website, while web hosting is the space where your website lives. You need both to make your site accessible to the world.

At Gaslamp Village Media Inc., we help businesses understand the difference—so you can make smarter decisions as you build your online presence.

Let’s break it down with a relatable example and walk through everything you need to know.

What Is a Domain Name?

Think of a domain name like the address of your house. It’s the string of text people type into a browser to visit your website—like www.rose.com.

When you register a domain name, you’re purchasing the right to use that unique web address. It doesn’t contain your website files or design—it’s simply the way people find you online.

At Gaslamp Village, we offer domain name registration and management services to make the process seamless and stress-free. We also help you connect your domain to email hosting and other tools for a polished, professional digital identity. It's important to distinguish the fact that Gaslamp Village Media Inc. is happy to host and manage your domain name (and modify it at your request for free!), but they NEVER assume ownership of the domain.  It is 100% yours to do with as you please, and you are free to move it to another domain host at any time without question (provided your account is free of any holds or unpaid charges).

Choosing the Right Domain Name (What's in a Name?)

To borrow from Shakespeare: “What’s in a name?”—when it comes to your domain, everything.

The name you choose for your domain plays a huge role in how memorable, trustworthy, and easy-to-find your business is online. And while a rose might still smell sweet no matter the name, your website might not get found if the domain is confusing, hard to spell or uniquely spelled, or irrelevant to what you offer.

Here are some tips and examples to help you choose the right domain for your business:

Characteristics of a Good Domain Name:

• Short and memorable: Easier to recall and type
• Relevant to your business or brand: Reflects who you are
• Avoids numbers, hyphens, or confusing spellings: Clean and clear
• Uses a common top-level domain (TLD) like .com, .ca, or .org when possible

Good Examples:

• rose.com – Simple, elegant, memorable
• blushfloral.ca – Relevant, regional, and brand-specific
• julietsflowers.com – Unique and branded while still descriptive

Not-So-Good Examples:

• the-best-online-flower-shop-ever.biz – Too long, too generic, and confusing
• r0se-fl0w3rs.net – Difficult to spell and pronounce
• getyourfloralbouquetnow.info – Spammy-sounding and lacks brand clarity

At Gaslamp Village, we help clients brainstorm and secure brand-appropriate domain names that support long-term growth and search visibility.

Should You Purchase Multiple Domains for a Single Website?

Purchasing multiple domains for a single website can be beneficial in specific scenarios. For instance, many businesses register additional domains to prevent competitors from acquiring similar or confusingly close web addresses—protecting their brand identity. A company called "Rose Florists," for example, might buy roseflorists.com, roseflorists.ca, and even common misspellings like roseflorest.com to capture potential traffic that could otherwise be lost. Additionally, owning multiple domains can help you target different geographical locations or market segments like RoseFloristsMH.ca, RoseFloristsCalgary.ca, EdmontonRoseFlorists.com etc. However, it’s crucial to redirect these domains properly (typically with a 301 redirect) to your primary website to avoid duplicate content issues that could negatively impact SEO.

At Gaslamp Village, we can help you decide strategically whether additional domains will effectively support your online presence.

(NOTE: Domain names are not case sensitive, so it doesn't matter if you use capital letters or not. But sometimes it helps, visually, to use capitals on the fronts of words... also called CamelCase)

What Is Web Hosting?

If the domain name is your website’s address, then web hosting is the house itself—the physical space where your website’s files, images, code, and content are stored.

Web hosting providers like Gaslamp Village maintain secure servers that store and deliver your website’s content to users. When someone visits your domain name, they are routed to your host, which loads the site and displays it on their device.

We offer scalable hosting packages that fit businesses of all sizes, from basic starter sites to full-featured commercial platforms.

How Domain Names and Web Hosting Work Together

To launch a live website, you need both a domain name and web hosting working together.

Here’s how it works:

1. You register a domain name.
2. You purchase a hosting plan from a provider like Gaslamp.
3. You connect the domain name to the hosting account using DNS settings.
4. When someone types in your domain, DNS points them to your host, which loads the website.

Without a domain, users wouldn’t have an easy way to find your site. Without hosting, there wouldn’t be a site to show. They are two sides of the same coin—and both are essential.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you’re starting a flower shop and want to launch a website.

1. You register the domain rose.com through Gaslamp Village.
2. You choose a hosting plan with us and upload your website files.
3. You connect your domain to your host using DNS settings.
4. When a customer types rose.com into their browser, your website loads instantly.

In this case, the domain is how they found you—and the hosting is what delivered the experience.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Knowing the difference between a domain name and web hosting helps you:

• Avoid common setup mistakes
• Choose the right services for your needs
• Understand what you’re paying for
• Communicate clearly with developers and providers

At Gaslamp, we believe in empowering business owners with clear knowledge so you can make informed, confident choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a domain without hosting?
Yes. You can own a domain and decide to host a website later. However, the domain won’t show anything until it’s connected to hosting.

Can I use different companies for domain registration and hosting?
Yes. But managing both through a single provider like Gaslamp Village simplifies setup, troubleshooting, and billing.

What happens if my domain expires?
Your website becomes inaccessible, and someone else might register the domain. Always renew your domains on time to protect your brand.

Launching Your Website? Start with the Right Foundation

At Gaslamp Village Media Inc., we provide everything you need to launch and grow your website—from domain registration and email hosting, to custom web design and rock-solid hosting infrastructure.

We’re here to make the process clear, simple, and tailored to your business goals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to upgrade, Gaslamp is your trusted partner in building a stronger online presence.

Start by registering your domain today, or contact us for a free consultation.