In Instrumental Conditioning, What Is the Distinction Between Negative Reinforcement

In instrumental conditioning, what is the distinction between negative reinforcement and punishment?

A) There is no difference. They are two words for the same concept.
B) Negative reinforcement can occur when a stimulus is positive, and punishment occurs when a stimulus is painful.
C) Negative reinforcement occurs when a negative outcome is avoided, while punishment occurs when an action causes a negative outcome.
D) Negative reinforcement creates a preference for negative results, while punishment teaches people to avoid negative results.