What is the difference between alternate and corresponding angles?

Hint: We first describe the characteristics of a line intersecting two or more parallel lines. Alternate and corresponding angles follow some direction rules with respect to these lines. We discuss them with the help of an image.

Complete step by step answer:
Alternate and corresponding angles are the characteristics of a line intersecting two or more parallel lines. The intersecting line is called the transverse line.
We try to explain the concept with the use of an image of parallel lines.

In this image the angles which have similar position with respect to the parallel lines and the transverse line are called corresponding angles.
There are four such pairs which can be described as corresponding angles. They are $1-5,4-8,2-6,3-7$.
Also, the angles which have opposite positions with respect to both the parallel lines and the transverse line are called alternate angles.
In the image there are four such pairs which can be described as alternate angles. They are $1-7,4-6,2-8,3-5$.

Note: The positions can be described as ‘up’ and ‘down’ with respect to the parallel lines and ‘left’ and ‘right’ with respect to the transverse line. We follow these directions to find the alternate and corresponding angles.