Em n En

The difference between a dash/hyphen, and 'en' dash and an 'em' dash is easier to describe than it is to explain. An 'em' and 'en' are as wide as the letter 'm'and 'n'respectively. A dash/hyphen is shorter still. It looks something like this (allowing for browser differences):

Dash/hyphen: Apart from being a great romance heroes name, 'dash' is found next to the number 0 on a standard keyboard. It is used in lieu of the word 'to' (eg: 9 - 5) or with figures $400 - $500. Technically, there is supposed to be a space on either sides of a dash/hyphen but you don't always see that.

En dash: used for compound adjectives like 'mid–year' or 'half–price'. You can find 'en' in the 'insert symbol' area on Windows or you can make it by pressing [Alt+Ctrl+Numlock] simultaneously. No space on either side of an en-dash.

Em dash: Ah, my friend the em dash... An em dash can be made by pressing [Alt+Ctrl+Numlock+Minus] on a standard keyboard (with numeric pad). You can also find it in your 'insert special characters' and assign it a shortcut key all its own. Its purpose—in extremely simplified terms—is to replace parentheses where you want to drop in a separate thought or comment without changing the subject. No space on either side of an em-dash. "An 'em-dash' can also be used to interrupt character dialogue abruptly—"

Like that.

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