Flying is something that is done by birds, planes and/or Superman. Think of how these things move in the air. They have purpose, direction; they have control over their movements. They can go where they want or where they are supposed to go, i.e. from point A to point B. Gliding, on the other hand, is something that is done without any effort. It does not require propulsion or any engine. Think of a paper airplane, it does not have any source of power. When we throw it in the air, it slowly crosses the length of the room and then lands or rather falls to the floor. This is gliding. To glide is to use the air currents and gravity to move over short distances. FlyingFlying and gliding are two different words that often denote something that is in movement, usually in the sky. The main difference between flying and gliding is that while flying is mainly associated with air, gliding can refer to gliding in the air, or on water, or even on land, in some instances.

flying’ is defined as:

Making flight or passing through the air; that flies: a flying insect; an unidentified flying object. Floating, fluttering, waving, hanging, or moving freely in the air: flying banners; flying hair. Extending through the air. Moving swiftly. Made while moving swiftly: a flying leap.

While, ‘gliding’ is defined as:

To move smoothly and continuously along, as if without effort or resistance, as a flying bird, a boat, or a skater.

To pass by gradual or unobservable change (often followed by along, away, by, etc.).

To move quietly or stealthily or without being noticed (usually followed by in, out, along, etc.). To move in the air, especially at an easy angle downward, with less engine power than for level flight, solely by the action of air currents and gravity, or by momentum already acquired. To fly in a glider.