Electrophiles vs Carbocations ?!?!

[JoyantBuoyant]

Hey guys, I just came across a question that said when an H-X (X=halide) is reacted with a 1,3 butadiene _=_= (looks like that) what is the intermediate called?
I was stuck between
(a) electrophile
(b) carbonium ion (carbocation)

The answer was B.
I know a carbocation is a carbon molecule missing an electron pair on the carbon but I always thought a electrophile meant the same thing or a partial positive charge?

can someone please clarify this ??

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[ChemTutor]

If you look at the mechanism, it involves H+ addition and formation of a carbocation (+ on C). As you mentioned, an electrophile could be +, delta+ (in fact, the positive charge does not even have to be on a carbon).

'Carbocation' is the exact answer.
'Electrophile' is a weaker answer.

 

[theCLE]

I agree with chem tutor. I would have chosen carbocation based on it being a better answer to the exact question, even thought both answers are right- in a sense.

 

[gettheleadout]

Also agree here. The test always wants the "best" answer.