eli5, While I would like a general answer, the concept that brought this question up was drywall compound, specifically “hot mud”. “five minute hot mud” sets in five minutes but takes longer to dry. What is the difference?
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Dry is a generally useful term, meaning “not wet anymore”. In compounds, it means it can no longer be adjusted and it is reasonable to expect the compound to stay there unless it is damaged. If the compound is water soluble, getting it wet can undo the drying. If it is not, getting it wet might undo some of the compound’s final effectiveness.
Cured means time (and often something else, like heat) has taken its course, and the thing will stay in its new, changed form for a long time (this definition also sort of works with curing meats and other things). In compounds, enough time has passed that the compound has changed almost entirely from its starting form into its final form; e.g. instead of concrete, it is now sidewalk. It is reasonable to treat the compound as if it is another part of the wall at this point. Water will no longer do anything special to the compound.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a good answer for set. From my hobby level knowledge, I’d say it’s a similar word to dry but the compound can still be mildly affected. Something set will not change if left alone, but it is not finished curing so it is weaker than its final stage. If it is specifically not dry yet, then touching it will probably disrupt the process as well. Perhaps it can still be lightly molded for a few finishing touches, but if left alone it will cure as it is.
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