Is buying Ripple the same as buying XRP?

I'm a bit confused about the distinction between Ripple and XRP. Could you clarify for me? Is purchasing Ripple essentially the same as acquiring XRP? Or are they two separate entities with distinct purposes and functions? If they're different, could you explain the main differences between them? I'm trying to make a decision about investing in the cryptocurrency space, and understanding the nuances between these two terms would greatly assist me. Thank you for your time and expertise in this matter.