What's the main difference between "socks" and "stockings?"

Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Good question! The difference mainly lies in the length. Socks are usually shorter and don't reach past one's mid-calf. Stockings are much longer and reach up to one's knees or even past that. Ex: I bought some knee-high stockings when I went shopping. Ex: My ankle socks have a hole in the toe, so I need to mend them.