The words "pointer" and "cursor" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. A cursor is the visible representation of the mouse pointer, like a blinking vertical line or I-beam that causes havoc if you type too close. On the other hand, a mouse pointer is an invisible hot spot that you control with your mouse. It doesn't have a shape or size; it's just a point in space. When you move your mouse, the mouse pointer moves correspondingly. When you click your mouse button, the mouse pointer "clicks" too.