Performance reviews and evaluations are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Performance reviews are ongoing assessments that provide feedback on an employee's work, typically focusing on strengths, areas for improvement, and goal setting. Evaluations, on the other hand, are more formal and often occur at specific intervals, summarizing an employee's overall performance against established criteria. While reviews encourage continuous development, evaluations tend to be more conclusive and may influence promotions or compensation decisions.