Screenwriting : Contests Entries vs. Festival Entries. by F. Aaron Franklin

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Film Freeway and Without a Box; websites that make a plethora of Film and Screenplay contests and festivals easily accessible for entry. Obviously, I do some degree of research to ensure that they are an actual thing and not a flat out scam My question is this; what's the main difference? I've entered a lot of these, many of which have been "accepted as official entries." But what exactly does that mean? I know with screenplay contests and competitions, IE Blue Cat, Austin Film Festival, The Page awards, it's pretty cut and dry; you have your quarterfinals, semifinals, finals, etc., and it's clear whether or not you've advanced to the next level. But in tea of some of these smaller and indie festivals, does anyone out there have an idea what Accepted for Festival or Official Entry means? Thanks in advance.