Special Stitches | 3rd Loop HDC vs Back Loop HDC

Is there really a difference between 3rd loop half double crochet (3rd loop hdc) and back loop half double crochet, and can I substitute them with each other❓A question that I get quite often.

See the difference on the picture above and tutorial how to crochet 3rd loop hdc below:

⠀Of course, you can use any of these ways to crochet a rib hdc pattern. As a big fan of this simple but such versatile stitch, my favorite is a 3rd loop hdc for sure 🤓