Difference between Template and Non-template Record

The differences between template and non-template record are as follows:

Template Record Non-template Record
Can be instantiated. Cannot be instantiated. If a non-template record is selected for instance creation, an alert will pop up.
Cannot be published during Publish Model as these are not real products which can be ordered. Can be exported using Full or Partial Export feature. This flexibility is provided to enable copy of template records as well from one environment to another.