A real image is defined as An image that is formed when the light rays from an object converge and meet each other and can be projected onto a screen. Real images are always inverted, Real images can be projected onto pieces of paper or screens. An example of a real image is the image formed on a cinema screen.
A virtual image is defined as An image that is formed when the light rays from an object do not meet but appear to meet behind the lens and cannot be projected onto a screen. Virtual images are always upright, Virtual images cannot be projected onto a piece of paper or a screen. An example of a virtual image is a person's reflection in a mirror.