The difference is what users need to do
A website primarily helps people discover information and take straightforward actions: learn about a company, browse services, read articles or submit a contact form. A web application supports ongoing user workflows, often involving accounts, permissions, business logic and data changes.
Choose a website for visibility
A high-quality website focuses on clear positioning, strong content, performance, accessibility and search visibility. Service pages, project case studies, lead forms and publishing tools can all live comfortably in a website without becoming a complex software product.
Choose a web application for workflows
If users must log in, manage records, collaborate, view role-specific dashboards, book inventory or coordinate a team, you are likely describing a web application. A CRM, learning management system or operational dashboard needs careful database design, authentication and error handling.
Many businesses need both
A public marketing website can explain your product while a separate authenticated application powers it. Keeping these experiences distinct often makes both easier to use and maintain.
Decide based on outcomes
List the actions each type of user needs to complete. Separate content needs from data workflows, identify integrations, and prioritize a realistic first release. The right architecture follows the problem, not a fashionable label.