Styles vs. Themes

If style relates css/stylesheet, then you can consider it a component of a theme.

If style relates to design in general, it can refer to a “flavor” of a theme.

So it depends on the meaning of “style”.

Theme – the (X)HTML and the CSS
Style – just the CSS

So why would I (the WP newb) prefer installing one over the other? Like, should I pick a theme and then tweak the style?

“Like, should I pick a theme and then tweak the style?”

yes ??
lg
Monika

Oops, here’s an even better summation: https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/37494

So why would I (the WP newb) prefer installing [a Theme] over [a Style]?

Because, as of v1.5, WordPress no longer supports Styles. However, some individual Themes do support Styles and an enhancement to what they currently offer. So, choose a Theme.

https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Using_Themes