The most common and technically accurate term for a balcony fence is a balustrade. However, people use several different words depending on the context and region.
All parapets are a type of railing, but not all railings are parapets. They both serve the primary function of providing a barrier to prevent falls, but the key difference lies in their location, construction, and additional functions.
A handrail is a specific part of a railing system. Think of it as a “part vs. whole” relationship. The handrail is the part you grip with your hand, while the railing is the entire structure that serves as a barrier.