Difference between attack and special attack?PLEASE HELP

just like the title says, what is the difference between attack and special attack? Im talking about pokemon platinum pearl and diamond not the older games. This is what i think it is, but i think i'm wrong. Attack determines the attacks that actually touch the oppenent such as ice punch, fire punch, close combat, and flare blitz.

Special attack determines the power of attacks that do not touch like fire blast, flame wheel, and surf.

am i right about this or am i totally wrong, do the different attacks (attack and special attack) have to do with the power of certain type moves like ice, fire, water, and electric.

Could someone clear me up on this, because i just got a new pokemon(bulbasaur) from professor Monk (check out his lab, he's a really big help ), and it has an adamant personality which I heard is pretty good on some type pokemon. I really want this bulbasaur to be the best it can. Thank you to whovever can answer my question. -JACK

you sound exactly correct, my boy, but let me clarify what it is to be certian:
Attack-the "physical" moves of the game where physical contact is nessesary, such as Zen Headbutt, Chunch, and Tackle, these have a picture of an explosion type thing next to the name of the attack(sorry, no pics on DSi) it's an 'attack'
Special-these are the moves that your pokemon ejects from themself, like Hyper Beam, Gunk Shot, and Focus Blast, they are symbolized by circles(pic when not on DSi)
hope that helps

Monkey

Helped a TON. Thanks so much for the help monkey, especially about the pictures next the the attack. that helped alot too. thanks again. Jack PS: feel free to close the thread mods.