what is it that makes jail and prison different?

Your are right supercute. Jail is the short term holding facility whereas prison is for long term sentences.

the number of potential partners

Prison is longer stay and it has much more dangerous people. Jail is short term like a few months

Jail sounds short term.

Jail is local. for minor offenses. Prison is either state or federal for graver offenses. In my experience, if you get caught trafficking pot you go to jail. If its. Cocaine you go to federal prison

Jail is short term maybe a few weeks or months at the most prison is years and years