Is shortening the same as vegatabke oil?

Shortening and Vegetable Oil are not the same.

Shortening is a solid fat made from vegetable oils that are hydrogenated. It is typically used in baking to make pastries, cakes, and other baked goods. Shortening has a high melting point and a low smoke point, making it ideal for frying.

Vegetable oil, on the other hand, is a liquid fat derived from plants such as soybeans, corn, and canola. It is often used for cooking, salad dressings, and marinades. Vegetable oil has a low melting point and a high smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing, stir-frying, and deep-frying.