leading vs following

leading and following both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
leading	Yes	Yes	No	No
following	Yes	Yes	No	No

leading (noun)	following (noun)
thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing	the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
the activity of leading	a group of followers or enthusiasts

leading (adjective)	following (adjective)
going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way	going or proceeding or coming after in the same direction
greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement	in the desired direction
having the leading position or higher score in a contest	about to be mentioned or specified
indicating the most important performer or role	immediately following in time or order