What is the difference between an ICON and an AVATAR?

An icon stands for something, while a Avatar represents someone.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_%28icon%29
Avatar above Icon below
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icon

AVATAR

Advanced Video Attribute Terminal Assembler and Recreator


http://www.acronymfinder.com/af-query.asp?Acronym=AVATAR&Find=find&string=exact

An avatar is a certain kind of icon. Not the kind you would find in a Russian church.

"An avatar .... is an Internet user's representation of himself or herself, ...in the form of .... a two-dimensional icon (picture)...."

"The word "avatar" derives from the Sanskrit term Avatâra, meaning "incarnation" and usually refers to the deliberate descent of an immortal or divine being into the mortal realm for a special purpose. The term is used primarily in Hindu texts."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(virtual_reality)

One assumes that an internet avatar represents the user's personality and/or interests.