Correlation describes a relationship between two entities that follow a proportion. Positive correlation means that one thing increases as the other increases whereas, negative correlation is when one decreases as the other increases.
Causation describes something as the catalyst or reason for an outcome. Here's a distinction of the two:
The amount of sunlight in the sky correlates with the amount of heat felt in the air. Thus, daytime temperatures are higher than those of nighttime. So, we can say that normally the sunlight in the sky positively correlates with the amount heat felt in the air.
Now, summer temperatures are generally warmer than winter temperatures regardless of the time of day so we cannot say that sunlight is the cause of heat. In addition, moonlight is actually a reflection of sunlight off the moon but it does not produce heat. However, on a cloudy day and occasionally during a light shower, sunlight is barely noticeable either as a bright spot in a cloud or the light of a rainbow because the sun is either faint or hidden, yet the heat is still felt in the air, especially in the summer months. And because the sun is normally out in dayttime hours and it is hottest at noon, we can say that the sun causes people to burn up in the summer; its light however, is not the factor. No wonder peole seek shade when outdoors but still feel hot air in their cars in parking lots.
Correlation is noticeable affiliation such as studying with making good grades but causation requires empirical evidence such as justifying dating as being detrimental to school performance; there can be other unknown factors...
