Would you like? vs Do you like?

Some people confuse these a lot and a student sent me an email to explain the differences.

Do you like...?

Like is a verb that is used to describe preferences.
What kind of music do you like? (what is your preference?)
I like salsa. (in general)
What do you like doing?
I like dancing and singing (in general)

- When you express preference or speak in general you can use the infinitive with to or the gerund after the verb like.
Recuerden que para usar el verbo "like" para expresar preferencias o para hablar de gustos en general uno puede usar el verbo con "to" (to + infinitivo) o el gerundio (-ing)

I like to study - I like studying ( Both are possible { I personally prefer I like studying})


Would you like...?
In question it is used to make an invitation or to offer something to someone.

Would you like some coffee? (offer)
Yes, I would.
Would you like to go out with me tonight? (Invitation)
I would love to go out with you.

In affimative you can use would like to express a desire.
I would like to go to USA one day (a desire)

With would you like we DO NOT use gerund (-ing) - Cuando usan "would + like" para hacer invitaciones, ofrecer algo o para expresar deseos, no usar el gerundio (-ing) después de like.

I would like TO STUDY (Correct)
I would like studying (INCORRECT)


would like = want
To express, desire or to make an invitation we can use the verb to want too! (would like is more formal)
I would like some pizza = I want some pizza
Would you like to go dancing? = Do you want to go dancing
Does Maria want more water? = Would Maria like more water?

Recuerden que would like es gustaría y want es querer. En ingles son lo mismo pero would like es mas formal