later on vs later

[keannu]

Is "later on" different from "later" or are they the same?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Is "later on" different from "later" or are they the same?

They can have the same meaning in some uses, but they are not always interchangeable.

 

[keannu]

Doesn't "on" in "later on" have the meaning of "continuously"?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Doesn't "on" in "later on" have the meaning of "continuously"?

Not really. The "on" refers to the time continuum.

We will do our chores first. Later/later on we can watch the movie. (some time from now)
She arrived later than Joe. ("Later on" will not work.)