It’s easiest to think of a glider as a middle ground between a swing and a rocker. In many ways, it’s more like a modified rocking chair. Porch gliders rock side to side, while porch swings rock back and forth. A glider includes a seat on a base and includes bar links to work. While it still serves as a piece of decor and as a place to sit, gliders have quite a different feel- and slightly different purposes. They take up less space than porch swings, are usually a little safer, and can even be used (carefully) for soothing young children.