Thank you so much @nkraft! I am happy that you enjoyed this introduction to drypoint! :)

To answer your question, I wouldn't say engravings are the same as etchings, no.. Some forms of etchings require engravings and others don't. What seperates drypoint from the general etching family is that there is no acid treatment requiered to to process, you just work with the engravings. Engraving is basically when you engrave/ scratch the surface with a sharp tool, with etchings you generally help make the marks with acid.
For example, one etching method is to apply a hardground ( a sealing coat that the acid doesn't bite through) on your plate, and then engrave through that coat to expose the areas where you want the acid to bite. In this case you combine the two :)

I hope I gave you a satisfying answer, hehe!

A very good weekend to you! :)