Spanking and hitting are two different forms of physical discipline. Spanking is a form of physical discipline in which a parent or caregiver uses their hand or an object to quickly and lightly strike a child's buttocks or another part of the body as a form of punishment. Hitting, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any physical act that intentionally causes pain, either with a hand, an object, or some other part of the body. It can be done in a variety of ways and can vary in severity depending on the context in which it is done.
It's worth noting that there is currently ongoing debate and research on the effectiveness and potential negative consequences of corporal punishment, including both spanking and hitting, as a form of discipline for children.