What is the difference between flat and semi-gloss paint?

flat paint has no shine when dry, and semi gloss is glossy and more shiny when dry.What is the difference between flat and semi-gloss paint?
Semi-gloss is ';shinier';- %26amp; alot easier to clean than Flat... -It's also alittle more expensive (But if you have alot of little ';hands'; flying around- Semi-gloss is DEFINATELY the way to go!).What is the difference between flat and semi-gloss paint?
Flat paint does not shine.. and is not good for anywhere you have to wipe the walls a lot such as a bathroom or kitchen, as its almost non washable....but it does hide a lot of flaws on your walls, ceilings etc.. they don't show up as much with flat paint..





Semi-gloss has a bit of a shine to it and most times is washable.. a good paint for most rooms.. you can have it in pearl too which is similar.. very nice





High gloss .. shines a lot, its usually very washable .. but I would never paint walls with it...trim maybe...places like window sills etc.. where you have to wash a lot..
light reflection
also flat is harder to wash off fingerprints, dirt etc
flat doesn't have any shininess when dry, semi-gloss has a little shininess, and gloss has lots of it
Dfire's answer is good. Use semi-gloss behind sinks and for baths where wash ability is important. Gloss paint is mostly used for furniture or trim rather than walls. Flat paint will come off if you scrub it.
Flat paint does not have a sheen to it and is usally used on walls whereas semi-gloss has a bit of sheen and is usually used on woodwork, kitchens and bathrooms.
Difference is rang of shiners
Semi~gloss is easier to clean than flat paint. Flat paint is so very very....uh...FLAT.