In short
DNS (the Domain Name System) translates domain names into technical targets. Nameservers are the servers that manage these assignments for a domain. Via records such as the A record, a domain points to a server; alternatively a forwarding can be used. For a sale or transfer, existing assignments sometimes have to be removed first.
Nameservers
The nameservers determine where a domain’s DNS records are managed. If you change host, you point the domain to their infrastructure via new nameservers.
Important records
- A record: points a domain to an IP address (server).
- CNAME, MX, etc.: for aliases, email and other services.
Forwarding vs. DNS assignment
A forwarding (e.g. a 301) sends visitors to another target; a nameserver/DNS assignment connects the domain directly to web space. For parking or selling via a platform, an existing forwarding or nameserver assignment may need to be removed first.