Difference between grazing & eating 5-6 small meals?

I am a bit confused at this?  What exactly is the difference between eating 5-6 small meals, as my surgeon instructs, and grazing?   for example...5-6 meals... 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30pm, 3:30 pm 6:00 pm &  8:30 pm?  Feels like grazing to me.. Also, what is the difference between drinking with your meals.. and eating.... soup?  (liquid and solids).. or   cereal  (again, milk and solids).. am I being a devils advocate? thanks for your thoughts :-) Tina