There’s a large difference between the two. Most not familiar with either of the terms usually assume that both are one the same. If you were to call me a wap, then that is a great insult. It’s like telling me to go fuck my mother, which I will never do for as long as I am able to.

Otaku

1. I like anime, manga, or video games.
2. I don’t care whether someone is Japanese or not.
3. I knew how to use chopsticks before I watched anything Japanese.
4. I know that chopsticks are actually Chinese and not Japanese.
5. I know that almost everything in Japan was invented in another country.
6. I don’t do cosplay, but I know what cosplay is and what it is not.
7. I do do cosplay and I hate posers/fakes. Great insult!
8. I like all kinds of music.
9. I know when to use “costume” and when to use “cosplay.”
10. I get insulted when someone calls me a wap or Japan-o-phile.
11. I’ve taken a class on Japanese history/culture (or had a unit of Japanese history/culture in class).
12. I know something about the history of the “otaku.”
13. I didn’t learn everything I know about the otaku subculture from Genshiken or a similar series/story.
14. I have a blog and/or read a blog something in the past year.
15. I spend what money I have on manga, anime, video games or models (models don’t have to be Japanese-oriented).
16. I go to conventions with friends and not an intention to make them (naturally making friends is fine; planning to make friends is something else).
17. If I like an anime or video game, I get the theme songs and/or any soundtracks (if illegally, shame on you).
18. I want to move to Japan for Akiba or to just see the sights (as long as you research something about the nation, then that’s accountable as well).
19. I know that Japan is a country just like America or United Kingdom and that they just make a better and more productive use of technology.
20. Naruto is a good anime, but not nearly the best (Suzumiya Haruhi no yuutsu is the best!!)
21. I hate the majority of anime or manga oriented message boards.
22. I hate any anime series that is over 100 episodes (you can choose your exception. As in, with the exception of Bleach, I agree).
23. My favorite genre(s) exceed (is not, not limited to) seinen.
24. I have an interest in one of the following genres: romance, love comedies, ecchi, yuri, magical girls and/or yaoi or similar series.

Wapanese

1. Naruto is the best anime ever.
2. I have a Naruto headband that I wear everyday (every other day does not count).
3. I like typing “kawaii” instead of “cute.”
4. I like using half-breed sentences: Japanese and English in one sentence.
5. I love Japanese people.
6. I prefer chopsticks over forks.
7. Ramen is the best food in the world and always will be!
8. Genshiken is the encyclopedia of the otaku culture!
9. I wish I could speak Japanese!!
10. I wish I was Japanese.
11. Japanese rock is way better than American rock (personal note: no it is not!)!
12. English is the stupidest language ever!!
13. I don’t know what Hiragana or Katakana is.
14. I would like to learn Japanese, I just don’t know how (sarcastically declaring one’s own innocence)!
15. I frequent on 4chan or similar images boards.
16. The stuff at 4chan is hilarious!
17. I try and meet Japanese people on a social network (unless you’re trying to interview, research or to improve your Japanese).
18. I’m not in a Japanese club.
19. I know how to speak/write in Engrish, even though I’m a native speaker (English was your first language).
20. Japanese writing looks so cool (normal font: Verdana or Arial)!
21. All my Japanese vocabulary is from anime.
22. What’s a fansub?
23. I don’t know what this “doujinshi” is (never heard of it).
24. I love doujin bands (has heard of “doujinshi” and “doujin” but claims to know what the meaing is).

Each question you answer “yes” is worth one (1) point. The more where you get more points is the category you fall into. Please note that this isn’t entirely accurate, since I don’t know everything (or a lot) about being a wap. Further, this doesn’t cover everything.