According to the United States House of Representatives, the process when a bill is passed and becomes a law in print is called Legislation. A resolution is passed after a bill is proposed to the President for his approval. A bill and a joint resolution are also considered the same. Except that a joint resolution needs a vote from the senate and the House of Representatives and if voted for by the majority is sent straight for implementation and the President's signature is not needed.
A bill may be vetoed by the members or amended. It can result in a lot of debate before it is done either too.