The Dictionary of Automotive Terms and Abbreviations lists Roller Bearings as: A bearing using a series of straight, cupped, or tapered rollers engaging an inner and outer ring or race.

Merriam-Webster Online defines roller bearings as: a bearing in which the journal rotates in peripheral contact with a number of rollers usually contained in a cage.

roller bearing: 1 outer race, 2 cage, 3 roller, 4 inner race

The Dictionary of Automotive Terms and Abbreviations also lists Needle Bearings as: a roller type bearing in which the many rollers have a very narrow diameter in relation to their length. The design makes them particularly useful in situations where there is limited space such as the rod bearings on some pistons. Also called "Quill-type bearing."

Merriam-Webster does not have a listing for needle bearings.