What is the difference between a neutron star and a white dwarf? What is the difference between a neutron star and a white dwarf? I know that both are very dense even if they go through different phases.
In a neutron star, the force of gravity is strong enough to press the protons and electrons together to form neutrons {1}, White dwarfs are only very compact. With even more mass, you get a black hole.
All three types are outcomes of star death, when the failing fusion in the middle of a star is no longer able to counteract gravity. What a star become when it collapses is depending on its mass.