Block vs Inline elements

characteristics of block elements include:

1. Always begin on a new line
2. Height, line-height and top and bottom margins can be manipulated
3. Width defaults to 100% of their containing element, unless a width is specified

Examples of block elements include <div>, <p>, <h1>, <form>, <ul> and <li>. 

Inline elements on the other hand have the opposite characteristics:

1. Begin on the same line
2. Height, line-height and top and bottom margins can't be changed
3. Width is as long as the text/image and can't be manipulated.

Examples of inline elements include <span>, <a>, <label>, <input>, <img>, <strong> and <em>.

To change an element's status you can use display: inline or display: block.