Ask What is the difference between a membership site and an e-commerce store?

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I keep seeing people talk about membership sites and e-commerce stores. Honestly I don't really understand the difference. Both seem to involve selling something online, so how are they not the same? Do they use different platforms or payment systems? I also don't know which one would be better for long-term income. I don't want to start one and later realize I should have gone with the other. Can someone explain it in simple terms?

What is the difference between a membership site and an e-commerce store?