Final answer:
Syntax errors in Python relate to incorrect code structure and prevent a program from running, whereas runtime errors occur during the execution of seemingly correct code due to logical mistakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Python, a syntax error occurs when the code does not conform to the programming language's rules or grammar. This prevents the program from being parsed and compiled, leading to an immediate error message. For example, forgetting to close a parenthesis or misspelling a keyword could result in a syntax error. On the other hand, a runtime error happens while the program is running after the syntax is deemed correct. These errors are due to logical mistakes, such as trying to divide by zero or accessing elements outside the bounds of a list. Unlike syntax errors, runtime errors are not detected until the problematic part of the code is executed.
Here's an analogy: Syntax errors are like grammatical mistakes in writing, which prevent understanding the sentence structure. Meanwhile, runtime errors are like factual mistakes in the content of a well-structured sentence. You understand the sentence, but the information is wrong or impossible in reality.