is there a difference between tapioca and boba?

Answer 1

Both are considered Bubble teas and are different names for the same thing.

Bubble tea beverages are also sometimes known as "boba tea," the term "boba" recalling an eponymous female body part, an observation on the similar texture of tapioca pearls. Other names include "tapioca tea," "pearl milk tea," and "QQ drinks" (QQ means chewy in Chinese, referring again to the texture of the tapioca pearls).

Answer 2

Boba is a form of tapioca. The boba are bigger than the smaller pearls in tapioca pudding.