what's the difference between perks and traits?

[Hebereke]

it seems to be the same yet the websites I check talk about separate things

[Nakos]

Perks are more generic and older. Traits are a newer layer add on on top of the older system. Nominally, they're meant as manufacturer related bonuses.

From S16 forward, most weapons will have both. Those occasionally, you'll still find older weapons that only have the older perk system. (Such as the ones you earn via the weapon quest system on the moon). As older weapon sets get reissued, they get traits applied as well.

https://www.blueberries.gg/weapons/destiny-2-weapon-perks/
https://gamerant.com/destiny-2-origin-traits-ranked/#omolon-fluid-dynamics

[Kylito]

They are the same thing. The last 3 columns of a weapon roll are called "traits" but most people refer to them as "perks". The traits in the final column of a weapon are called "origin traits" which are more commonly referred to by that name rather than the "perk" nickname.

[Commander_Black]

trait is something a weapon will always have the same while perks are randomised

[Kylito]

Originally posted by Commander_Black:

trait is something a weapon will always have the same while perks are randomised

Intrinsic Traits and Origin Traits specifically are not random. Weapons will still have 2 random traits.