How were the gothic cathedrals different from earlier types of cathedrals

Gothic cathedrals came during the late Middle Ages, reaching back to Romanesque architectural styles.  The first major difference can be its "pointy"-ness.  You could use the word "pointy" to describe most Gothic architecture; tall spires often adorn the tops, pointing extremely high above the main portion of the building.  Also, the main portions of the buildings themselves were tall; in many cases, the tall, stretching aspects of the Gothic architecture may have involved the feeling of "reaching up to God."  The second major difference is in the lighting. Previous cathedrals had involved large walls with great sculptures and masonry, but very few windows; they were very dark.  In Gothic works, light became a prominent part of the architecture, with large windows covering the walls.

Ibelieve the answer is water and oil.