Difference between shoulder press and military press

[fluoresce]

ExRx gives different muscles for the barbell military press and barbell shoulder press, suggesting that they are different.

However, for the barbell seated military press, it gives the same muscles as it does for the barbell shoulder press.

What's more, for the smith shoulder press, it gives the same muscles as it does for the barbell military press.

Confusing!

Is there a difference between the military press and shoulder press or not?

I've searched all over the Web for an answer, and I can't find one.

Some say that for it to be a military press, you have to be standing, or you have to be standing as if at attention. Why, then, is there a seated military press?

Others say that for it to be a military press, you have to keep your arms in front of your body (shoulder flexion), whereas for the shoulder press, you have to keep your arms by your sides (shoulder abduction).

This makes sense because ExRx says that:

• unlike the barbell shoulder press, the barbell military press activates the clavicular pec and biceps brachii (short head), both of which can flex the shoulder
  unlike the barbell military press, the barbell shoulder press activates the supraspinatus, which abducts the shoulder.

Why, then, does ExRx give the same muscles for the barbell shoulder press and seated military press?

So confused!

[Kubensis]

it would probably get rid of all leg drive and variation in your posture, it's less athletic. Standing press will require core stabilization and posture that is more varied. I bet yo u can do more on a standing press.

with every press i keep my arms close to my body and perpendicular to the bar at shoulder width or less. that's a good question why would anyone do it seated over standing? seems lazy.

[leanmuscle13]

it would probably get rid of all leg drive and variation in your posture, it's less athletic. Standing press will require core stabilization and posture that is more varied. I bet yo u can do more on a standing press.

with every press i keep my arms close to my body and perpendicular to the bar at shoulder width or less. that's a good question why would anyone do it seated over standing? seems lazy.

"Why would anyone do it seated over standing?" In my house I have to do the seated press over standing to avoid hitting the ceiling fan!! :)

[stuward]

Military press is done standing at attention, hence it's name. This requires different stabilization requirements than a standing press. The same primary muscles are involved. The difference is in the stability. Seated also requires different core stability. The exercises are largely interchangeable but they all have slightly different effects. Do one for a cycle, then switch to another. That way you hit your weaknesses.