The main difference is that lobbying is seen as a indirect influence, where people being influenced don't have a "direct" gain from the money they receive from

The main difference is that lobbying is seen as a indirect influence, where people being influenced don't have a "direct" gain from the money they receive from lobbying groups like the NRA and others. For example, lobbying would be when the NRA gives tons of donations to the local republican candidate or party. The party can then use those funds to buy commercials and other advertising. Corruption can be seen when someone directly benefits from money changing hands. Corruption would be where the NRA actually writes a huge check to a congressman so they vote a certain way on a bill. There would be a direct benefit since the only person getting the money is the politician. It's a thin line for sure, but the difference is who benefits and is it directly or indirectly? Remember the old saying, "follow the money"? That's how you define it.