Rules and regulations; what's the diff?

We've all seen official signs that say "Rules and Regulations," and I've often wondered the difference between the two ... if there is any.

I found a web site that tried to explain the difference between the two, but I came away unconvinced. The web site used Dictionary.com to explain in this way:

Dictionary.com defines ‘rule’ as:

• A principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement
• The customary or normal circumstance, occurrence, manner, practice, quality, etc.
• To control or direct; exercise dominating power, authority, or influence over; govern.
• To decide or declare judicially or authoritatively
• To make a formal decision or ruling, as on a point at law.

Dictionary.com defines ‘regulation’ as:

• A law, rule, or other order prescribed by authority, especially to regulate conduct.
• The act of regulating or the state of being regulated.
• A governmental or ministerial order having the force of law
• As required by official rules or procedure

I don't know; I see "regulation" under the definition of "rule," and I see "rule" under the definition of "regulation."

I ask again; what's the difference?

* * *

EMAIL: tgilli52@gmail.com  TWITTER: EDITORatWORK

MORE EDITOR@WORK BLOG ENTRIES

• You really DO need an editor

• Reminders for would-be novelists

• What I do when I'm editing

• What I charge (it's a deal) and what I edit

• Slogging through the Internet

• J-school: More eyes on your stories

• J-school: Go out and learn

• Rookie mistakes for magazine writers

BLOG ENTRIES BY TOM GILLISPIE

• Resume for a writer and editor

• An editor's views on powerful writing

• Advice for be and would-be novelists

• Links to TG's stories online

• Favorite quotes

• What I do when I'm editing

ANECDOTES BY TOM GILLISPIE

• Wipeout at Death Valley

• Days with rainbows

• A desperate writer working in the dark

• Yer OUTTA there!

ENTRIES FROM THE DOG BLOG

• Katie cried

• Growl and pull

• 13-plus years with my dog Lady

• ... said the spider to ...

• The Dog Diary (2014)

• YIP! YIP! The stereo-sound huskies

• What Lady and Michael Jackson had in common

BLOG ENTRIES FROM THE AUTO RACING JOURNAL

• Angel in Black: Remembering Dale Earnhardt Sr.

(a book of great stories about the Intimidator)

• Then Junior Said to Jeff...

(the book of great NASCAR stories)

• My best day as a sports writer

• Jeff Gordon's milk toast to Dale Earnhardt

• Wayne Auton: A life in racing