What's the difference between valence electrons and the valence of an atom?

[EmilyJoo_1G]

Prof mentioned the "valence of an atom" today during lecture and I was wondering if he's referring to valence electrons or something else.

[Anika Chakrabarti 1A]

The valence of an atom means the number of covalent bonds it has, and valence electrons are the electrons in the outer shell.

[Maia_Jackson_2C]

Also the valence of an atom depends on the number of valence electrons, for example if there were 3 valence electron then the atom should typically be able to form 3 bonds.

[Anthony Hatashita 4H]

I think that means the number of covalent bonds an atom has, which is tightly related to the amount of valence electrons it has.