iMessage - close vs delete conversation

[mlody]

Any idea what is the difference between the close and delete conversation in iMessage? Both will remove the conversation from the application, but it is my understanding that one will delete it? If I do not use icloud for imessage what is the purpose of close? does this mean that the parts and bits of the conversation are still retained somewhere? If there is the case, how can closed conversation be opened?

 

[chown33]

https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/save-or-delete-conversations-icht1035/mac

Found by googling this phrase from your first sentence:
close and delete conversation in iMessage