confused re strobes or flashes?

[hania]

In the UK we talk about flashes (580 ex lest say) or studio lights.

In the Us & elsewhere - I gather strobes mean studio lights?

[Papa Carlo]

In the UK we talk about flashes (580 ex lest say) or studio lights.

In the Us & elsewhere - I gather strobes mean studio lights?
Strobes technicall is everything that 'strobes'.
It can be for example fast blinking lamp for measuring rotation spped.
In photography some mean photolights with powerpack when using term 'strobe' to make a distinction from monolights yo are free to use the term for any short duration light.

[Curtis N]

The terminology can be confusing. What I have seen on this forum is that a "flash unit" generally refers to a battery powered unit designed to mount on a camera, and a "strobe" is AC powered and designed to mount on a light stand and accept an umbrella or softbox. But that is simply conventional use here with no technical basis for the distinction.

When in doubt, I try to use the terms "hotshoe flash" and "studio strobe" to avoid confusion.