Dividend stocks pay shareholders a portion of a company's profits (called dividends) periodically—usually quarterly—as cash or additional shares, providing steady income like passive rent. Regular stocks, by contrast, don't commit to dividends; returns come mainly from price appreciation if the company grows (sell high, buy low). Think dividend stocks as "income-generating" (e.g., Coca-Cola pays reliable 3% yield), while regular ones are "growth-focused" (e.g., Tesla reinvests profits for potential 10x upside but 0% yield). Hybrids exist—some growth stocks add dividends later—but picking depends on goals: income now vs. growth long-term.