The term dilation refers to either a reduction or enlargement of a figure. In other words, a dilation makes a figure smaller or bigger.
The scale factor tells us if the figure is smaller or bigger. If the scale factor is positive and less than 1, then the figure gets smaller. Eg: scale factor = 0.5 means the figure is half as tall as before.
If the scale factor is larger than 1, then the figure gets larger. Eg: scale factor = 9 means the figure is 9 times taller than before.
In short, they aren't the same thing but they are closely related ideas. Dilations use scale factors to determine if you get a reduction or enlargement.
