In a settlement, the parties determine the outcome of the case and there is no trial before a judge or jury. Many cases are settled, meaning the parties come to an agreement, usually called a "Stipulation of Settlement," which is written down and signed by the parties and the Judge.
A settlement is an agreement between both parties to the lawsuit that resolves their dispute prior to trial. A judgment is an official designation entered on a court's docket that signifies that a plaintiff has prevailed in a court case against the named defendant.
What is an agreement? In a civil lawsuit, the document that spells out the terms of an out-of-court agreement that the parties reach. It can also be called a settlement.
“Settlement Agreement” and “Stipulation” are often used interchangeably.