The distinction between input and change events on select elements is important: 1) input fires immediately when the selection changes, providing real-time feedback, 2) change fires when the select loses focus or when the selection is finalized, 3) For single-select elements, they often fire together, 4) For multiple-select, input provides immediate feedback while change confirms the final selection. This allows for different UX patterns - immediate updates with input, confirmed changes with change.