Ruling "Defending Pokemon" vs "Your opponent's Active Pokemon"?

[bbb888]

Hello there, my question is:
What is the difference between "Defending Pokemon" and "Your opponent's Active Pokemon"?

For example, Sceptile EX (Ancient Origins) uses the term "your opponent's Active Pokemon", whereas Kyurem EX's (Ancient Origins) second attack says "The Defending Pokemon". Is there a difference?

If this question has been answered already, can you link me to the reply thread?
Thanks.

 

[homeofmew]

yes, in XY Defending Pokemon is now any pokemon that is taking damage.
Active pokemon is the pokemon in the front main slot.

 

[bbb888]

yes, in XY Defending Pokemon is now any pokemon that is taking damage.
Active pokemon is the pokemon in the front main slot.

In the 2 examples I use, they both damage the opponent. But why do they use different phrases to damage the same Pokemon?

 

[homeofmew]

In the examples you use, Sceptile EX is clearly the active pokemon slot.
Kyurem EX is only doing damage your oppoent active pokemon, only discarding an energy to the active pokemon.

Defending pokemon only comes in to play other then active pokemon is if you are doing bench damage.