Which term refers to the distance between two notes that is a semitone?

The term that refers to the distance between two notes that is a semitone is known as a minor second. In music theory, a semitone, also called a half step, is the smallest interval used in Western music. When two notes are a minor second apart, such as C and C#, or E and F, there is only one semitone separating them.

In contrast, a whole tone is made up of two semitones, meaning it represents a larger interval than a minor second. The major second is also larger, consisting of two semitones, while a perfect fourth spans five semitones. Therefore, when identifying intervals in music, recognizing that the minor second directly corresponds to the distance of one semitone is crucial for understanding how these notes relate to each other harmonically and melodically.