Instead of buying real shares you can buy options for just a "premium price" and call for real shares later.
(Or don't call if those don't rise in price).
This allows for two things: less capital for investment (until you call) and less capital at risk (you can lose only what you paid for options).

Put options are opposite. When you write option and somebody buys them you promise to buy back shares (if requested) at that specified price.
Even if they are not worth that price.

So both things are kinds of bet.