playing vs performing

playing and performing both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
playing	Yes	No	No	No
performing	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, playing and performing are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of playing include acting, playacting.

playing (noun)	performing (noun)
the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation	the performance of a part or role in a drama
the act of playing a musical instrument
the performance of a part or role in a drama