Difference between early action and early admission?

What's the difference between early action and early admission university policies? I've seen both terms being used, and I'm a bit confused.

Early action (EA) and early admission (usually referred to as early decision or ED) are both admission options offered by universities that allow you to apply and receive decisions before the regular decision deadline. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Early Action: When you apply EA, you submit your application earlier than the regular deadline (typically in November), and you receive an admissions decision earlier as well (usually in December or January). EA is non-binding, meaning if you are accepted, you are not required to commit to attending that school. You still have until the May 1st National Decision Day to decide which college to attend, giving you time to compare financial aid packages and weigh your options.

Early Decision: Early decision is a binding agreement. When you apply ED, you not only send in your application early and receive an early decision, but you also commit to attending that school if accepted. If accepted to a school through ED, you are required to withdraw any other applications you have submitted to other colleges. This option is appropriate for students who are completely sure that a specific college is their top choice. Colleges may offer either one or two rounds of ED, referred to as ED I and ED II. The difference between the two is the application deadline; ED I usually has a deadline in November, while ED II deadlines tend to be in January.

In summary, the main difference between early action and early admission (early decision) is the level of commitment. Early action is non-binding, giving you more time and flexibility in making a decision, while early decision is a binding agreement that commits you to attend the school if accepted.