To know the difference between techno and trance you first should know about electronic music. Electronic music began during the 1970s with characteristics like distorted synthesizers, and large, loud beats.The music is purely electronic, meaning that all the sounds are made through some sort of machine. Electronic is not a genre, but rather the method of composing. The focus on electronic music is on the music, created from electronic elements itself. A song or track may be composed of several electronics (drum machine, electric guitar, synthesizer) but if the focus is on a singer's vocals, it is not an electronic track. This is why most electronic music will not have vocals throughout the track.
Techno is a sub-genre of of electronic music. Techno music originally started around Detroit through the the mid-1980s. The early producers of techno, Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson were known as the Bellville Three. The style stayed underground throughout the 1980s before emerging in the 1990s. The genre was then experimented with by those in Europe through the 1990s by changing earlier techno songs and creating new genres.Techno consists of an urban feel, which reflects its Detroit roots and is mixed with German electronica.
Trance is also a sub-genre of electronic music. It came around during the 1990s in Europe and is a mix of techno and house music. The style combines melody and rhythm, like in traditional music with a freestyle type of techno music. Trance music has been described as anthemic, emotional and psychedelic. Within each trance track lies a strong hook, whether it's done vocally or through the music itself. The style is mainly uptempo with a steady beat and a progressive sound. Sub-genres of trance include acid trance, minimalist trance and hardcore trance.
Anything that can be plugged into a power source is considered an electronic instrument. However, some of the more well-known pieces of equipment for electronic music include turntables, synthesizers, drum machines and computers. Computers with specific music software allow the composer to put different elements into his track. Bands consisting of more than one person, will often have these items and other electronic items set up for a live music set. Artists who compose the music solely, will usually have turntables and computers set up when they are DJing the music live.
Techno is based around drum machines with a repetitive bass sound from a bass line machine. A techno track will have different elements throughout and the track may slow or speed up. Trance music is more melodic, repetitive and focuses on a specific hook, which may include vocals. Trance tracks tend to have more of a faster tempo and are generally in a higher key. Trance music can be found more at dance clubs and raves while techno may be found as a backing for a vocal track or played at nightclubs.