Tangerines and oranges are just different varieties of the same kind of species. Tangerines are typically smaller and sweeter than oranges, which are kind of tart. The skin on tangerines is also looser, making them so much easier to peel. Tangerines are a member of the mandarin family, but the mandarin is a bit smaller and has seeds. You can get mandarins in a can any time of the season while tangerines tend to be more available in the summer.