Balconies, verandahs and patios are all architectural features that allow access to the outdoors while remaining attached to the building. They are a conjunction of the indoors and outdoors, and can be used in many ways.
The main distinguishing feature of a balcony is that it is on the upper floor of a building,
while verandahs and patios are exclusively on the ground floor.
The difference between a verandah and a patio is a little more subtle.A verandah is generally an extension of the building and often acts as a balcony on the ground floor.
A porch,
on the other hand,
is an addition to the building.They are more substantial than verandahs,
and often made of a different material.Unlike verandahs,
patios have the connotation of being a recreational or leisurely space.