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The way I learned this, is that patch cables use stranded wires, but ethernet cables use solid wires.

They are all just twisted pair cables, probably Cat5e or Cat6 etc. The solid ones are usually used for structured cabling, inside walls and trunking, that doesn't often move. Structured cabling is terminated into keystones or patch panels, the "female" end.

Patch cables are outside of walls and designed to be moved around and plugged and replugged. They are terminated with 8p8c "male" connectors, commonly called rj45. Stranded cable is used because it's much more flexible.

This is the same for mains power cables. Permanent installs are usually solid cores, while the "flexi" cables you plug into a socket are stranded.

Yep, up to a certain point. Thicker wires like 6mm^2 are stranded again, but the strands are very thick and few.

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