Differences

• Chat rooms can be public, and anyone can join a conversation. Social networks allow you to build a following or friends list, and you communicate only with those people you choose.
  
  

Benefits

• Chat rooms make it easier to meet people at random, and social networks are commonly used to communicate with people you already know. You can search for your friends on social networks, but in chat rooms, you must know your acquaintance's handle to chat.
  
  

Information

• Social networks are built around profiles; this means you take the time to post a picture of yourself and list your interests. Chat rooms do not require more than creating a handle, so it's easier to remain anonymous in chat rooms.