Is vanilla the same as vanilla essence?

No

In a recipe the terms vanilla and vanilla extract are generally used interchangeably

Vanilla extract can be substitute for vanilla essence on a 1:1 basis (e.g 1tsp of vanilla extract is equal to 1tsp vanilla essence), on a strength-for-strength basis at least. But the flavour of...

Yes, in fact vanilla extract is a lot better. Vanilla essence is just fake vanilla. Vanilla extract will give you a better flavor in your end result.

yes you can because they are practicly the same just with different names Vanilla Essence does not have alcohol in it, and is at least double the strength to that of Vanilla Extract, which has...