The analogy: the domain is your street address, hosting is the physical house. The address points people to the house. Change hosts and you keep the same address by pointing it at the new server. Let the domain lapse and people can't find you even if the house still stands.
Keep both registered in your own accounts. A common problem is a developer or agency holding the domain or hosting on your behalf, which can leave you locked out. Ownership of the domain, especially, should always be yours.
Updated July 2026
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