Yes, there is a difference between "look at" and "look on". "Look at" is a phrasal verb that means to direct your eyes towards something or someone and focus your attention on it. For example, "I'm looking at the beautiful sunset" or "Look at that cute puppy!". On the other hand, "look on" means to watch an event or situation without being actively involved. It implies a sense of detachment or distance. For example, "We looked on as the parade went by" or "He looked on as his friend made a fool of himself". So, while both phrases involve looking, they convey different nuances and intentions.

Absolutely. "Looking at" is the same as "seeing" or "watching". "Looking on" is similar to "watching over". Rather than watching something specific, you maintain awareness of a general situation. For example, some children could be playing while an adult is looking on. It means the adult is watching over the situation. He is on alert, maybe looking at them now and then and also listening to their voices.

It’s not often you’ll come across ‘look on’, and it’s usually in the context of an event at which the observer is watching what is happening, not actively participating ; they are the audience e g He was beaten up by his attackers while passers-by looked on without intervening. The residents looked on as the procession passed through the streets of the neighbourhood. The winning contestant was awarded the prize as the other competitors looked on.