The fact is that apart has two meanings: 1- distant in space or time. 2- with the exception of. However, aside only has meaning 2 but can also mean "to the side of" Examples: The houses are 2 miles APART The conferences are 5 hours APART APART from her being lovely, she can also be feisty The dog was standing ASIDE its owner It was a sunny day ASIDE from the fact it was cold Of course, there are a few more uses of them both but these are the main ones I can think of :)

no difference