In theory, a black hole is suppose to be a nuclear body which is so massive (and unstable), that when it collapses, it collapses in on itself. To my knowledge, that is the short of it, as I understand it.

It is ultimately what turns into a supernova vs. just going nova.

A star is born, and if it a 'main sequence' star (like our sun), it lives a normal, rather boring life, and then turns to a white dwarf, and eventually goes nova. While, a massive star, like stated above, has a more 'radical' life, and then at the end of it's life, becomes a supernova, and then moves to becoming a black hole.


Others may have a better explanation as to what one is and probably do.

Robert