Canapés are often misunderstood as Hors D’oeuvres or used as interchangeable terms. Both of these are a little different, even if both are categorised as appetisers. For starters, Canapés are a part of Hors D’oeuvres. Hors D’oeuvres are generally served before the main course but are unnecessary. It means outside the work or not part of the main course. So you can serve them whenever. Also, canapés are served cold while Hors D’oeuvres are generally hot.
Canapés consist of four parts or five if you add the glaze. But Hors D’oeuvers only consist of the base in general. Canapés are a one bite finger food while Hors D’oeuvres are genrally atleast two bites accompanied by cocktails. For eg, empanadas, kebabs, or small samosas are a type of hors d’oeuvres.