basically, "to look *FOR* something" is the same as " to search for something". (note: "to look AT something" is different.) "looking (for)" is more commonly said than "searching". search for = look for. search something = look for something in something. searching is usually more formal or serious, like searching through a book, or searching for gold. looking for can be more casual, or when looking for people. sometimes, "searching" is used when you have a very specific target, whereas "looking for" is done when you are not as serious about something, or you are not as sure examples: I am looking for Mr. Jones. ( i want to find him and talk to him ) I am searching for Mr. Jones (he got lost in the woods and it is getting dark outside ) I am searching through a telephone book for the right number I am looking for the number in the telephone book. (both work, but we usually say looking) I am looking for someone who wants to have a good time. I am searching the streets for anyone who wants to have a good time tonight. I am really desperate! Yesterday I lost my keys, I was searching for them frantically ! I have to go in 2 hours, and I don't know where my keys are. I better start looking for them. I'm looking for a job now. (We say this instead of I'm searching for a job, usually. Searching for a job could be said, but since you don't know what job you're going to get yet, you just want any job, you say looking for.).

Looking is the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually while Search 1.Try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of "The police are searching for clues"; "They are searching for the missing man in the entire county" cowboy...