The most significant difference betweendrama and plays is that drama refers to a form of written literature that is intended for performance while play refers to a theatrical performance. To put it simply, a drama is to be read and a play is to be seen.
Sometimes, the words drama and play are used interchangeably. However, these are not actually synonyms. Though related, dramas and plays are distinctly different.
Drama is one of the literary genres, which is an imitation of some action. It also refers to a type of a play written for theater, television, radio, and film. In other words, a drama is a composition in verse or prose presenting a story in pantomime or dialogue.
A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of dialogue or singing between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading.