This is the number 1 question we get everyday, sometimes many times a day, it is a simple yet complex answer but without going really in depth here is general answer: Aeroponics is growing method that introduces nutrients to the plant(s) root zone, primarily by means of misting or spraying roots with nutrients.

None well actually they are considered to be one in the same, Hydroponics is just growing without soil, Aeroponic's is growing plants by way of nutrient delivery to root zone by way of misters or air bubbles. There are several different types of Hydroponic growing methods: Aeroponic (pump & Spraybar), NFT (nutrient film technique), Ebb & Flow (flood & Drain), DWC (deep water culture), drip lines (Drip head), TAG (True Aeroponic Gardening) <~ newest technology for growing.

Yes, you need to be sure that the root mass it completely free of any soil or debris as it will ruin your nutrient solution.

Yes any seedling or plant grown in hydro system can be transplanted into soil.

It is a user preference & how much work/ money you want to put into a system, the Bubbler (DWC) systems are by far the least expensive but they are not the most efficient method for growing. Aeroponic spray bar systems are great but require regular maintenance on clogged misters, Drip heads are great but they still have some routine drip head cleaning for good flow to each drip line but require the least amount of work. TAG is the best but also the most expensive all them all do to the initial cost of your system, the pump alone runs $180.00 plus all the other components to build system. BUT this is best way to go hands down for growing & feeding the plants.