What is the difference between mortal sin and venial sin?

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Someone commits a mortal sin when it involves a serious matter, the person has full knowledge of what was done, and that there was deliberate consent. Mortal sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and if unrepented, leads to eternal death. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.

Someone commits a venial sin when it involves less serious matter than in the case of a mortal sin, or when the full knowledge, or complete consent of what was being done is absent. it does not break the covenant with God but rather weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It slows down progress of the soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

Ref. CCC

Taken From The Compendium – Catechism Of The Catholic Church