Whataboutery and moving the goalposts are both dishonest argument tactics used to avoid accountability, but whataboutery changes the subject to a counter-accusation, while moving the goalposts changes the standard of proof after it has already been met. Direction of Discussion: Whataboutery horizontally drifts to a brand new topic or target; moving the goalposts vertically jacks up the demands on the exact same topic.

Timing of the Move: Whataboutery happens immediately as a counter-attack to an initial claim; moving the goalposts happens after a challenge or condition has been successfully satisfied