target area vs target

target area and target both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
target area	Yes	No	No	No
target	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, target area and target are synonyms defined as:

target area (noun)	target (noun)
the location of the target that is to be hit	sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at
	the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
	a reference point to shoot at
	the location of the target that is to be hit
	a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

target area (verb)	target (verb)
	intend (something) to move towards a certain goal