A solute is the substance that is being dissolved in a solution. It is the component of the solution that is present in the smaller amount. For example, sugar is a solute when it is dissolved in water to make a sugar solution.
A solution, on the other hand, is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. It is made up of a solvent, which is the substance that dissolves the solute, and the solute itself. In the example of sugar in water, water is the solvent and sugar is the solute.
In summary, a solute is one of the components of a solution and a solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.