Generally, it depends on the age of the top and bottom layers of an undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks. In contrast, radioactive dating is the method of determining the absolute age of a fossil. Therefore, the main difference between relative dating ad radioactive dating is the principle and type of dating.

What is the difference between the two types of dating?

Dating techniques are procedures used by scientists to determine the age of a specimen. Relative dating methods tell only if one sample is older or younger than another sample; absolute dating methods provide a date in years. Relative dating methods determine whether one sample is older or younger than another.

What is the major difference between relative dating and absolute dating methods?

The main difference between absolute and relative dating is that the absolute dating is a technique to determine the numerical age of a rock or a fossil whereas the relative dating is a technique that determines the relative age.