The key word here is “distance”. While e-learning often happens with both the teacher and students in the same space, distance learning refers to a situation where there is a distance between the teacher and the learners. E-learning is also a relatively new model of studying, while distance learning has actually existed since the 1880 when learning would be completed through correspondence between teacher and pupil. Despite the difference between the two forms of learning, most people use them interchangeably.