In general, if it's discussing a future event or something that can be explicitly verified within the 'natural course of things,' it's a prediction. If it's a theory formed around implicit analysis based on evidence and clues, it's an inference. Inference is using observation and background to reach a logical conclusion. You probably practice inference every day. For example, if you see someone eating a new food and he or she makes a face, then you infer he does not like it. Or if someone slams a door, you can infer that she is upset about something.
lnference is used when referring to the act of reaching a conclusion that has been evaluated using various methods based on facts and evidence and prediction refers to a conclusive statement about a future event or occurrence.
