What is the difference between naturalization and citizenship?

Naturalization is also known as the legal process of obtaining citizenship in the United States. Citizenship, on the other hand, can either be obtained through birth – if you were born in the U.S. or had parents who were citizens at the time of your birth – or through the process of naturalization. While the two terms are closely related, they are mistakenly used interchangeably. If you are applying for citizenship as an immigrant, you will need to complete the naturalization process.