Final answer:
A mood is less intense compared to an emotion and is a longer-lasting affective state that need not be triggered by a specific external event.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to an emotion, a mood is less intense. While emotions are typically reactions to external stimuli and are relatively intense and consciously experienced, moods are longer-lasting affective states that are not necessarily in response to an external event and tend to be less consciously recognized. A mood can influence how we perceive the world around us, even coloring our language and expressions metaphorically, as we talk about being 'up' when in a positive mood or 'down' when in a negative state. In contrast to emotions, moods are not distinct in their onset and offset, making them more diffuse.