What is the difference between Raman scattering and fluorescence

The Raman effect occurs when light impinges upon a molecule and interacts with the electron cloud and the bonds of that molecule. For the spontaneous Raman effect, which is a form of light scattering, a photon excites the molecule from the ground state to a virtual energy state. When the molecule relaxes it emits a photon and it returns to a different rotational or vibrational state. The difference in energy between the original state and this new state leads to a shift in the emitted photon's frequency away from the excitation wavelength. The Raman effect, which is a light scattering phenomenon, should not be confused with absorption (as with fluorescence) where the molecule is excited to a discrete (not virtual) energy level.

fluorescence isnt, rather its absorption

I'm not sure about this. But I think fluorescences is due to certain kinds of chiral molecules getting twisted tighter by different light, and then releasing the light as they uncoil. And I think this is why you can see a perceptible time delay in the drop off fluorescence when you switch off your UV source or whatever.

And there are certain sweets - mints - that if you crack them in the dark, you'll see them fluores for a few seconds.