What is the difference between a spinning rod and a casting rod?

Spinning rods are typically designed for more amateur fisherman, for lighter gear, and to cast out farther if you're a shore fisherman. Bait casters allow more control over where you cast, and are suitable for heavier gear. Most casting rods are more expensive, and have a grip on the lower back of the rod, as the reel faces upwards rather then downwards like on a spinning rod. This will make it uncomfortable to hold the rod if you use a spinning reel on a casting rod. You can use a bait casting reel on either a spinning or casting rod, but casting rods are better balanced for bait casting reels than spinning rods are.