Question

what is the difference between flapping and gliding

Answer 1

Flying 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.

Answer 2

a bird moves up and down when flying or preparing to fly is called flapping
to move smoothly and continously along as if without effort or resistance as a flying bird a boat or a skater is called gliding