Short answer
An arrest means police have detained you on suspicion of a crime. Being charged means a prosecutor has formally accused you in court. A conviction is a finding of guilt — by plea or verdict — and only a conviction carries criminal punishment.
These three words mark very different stages. An arrest happens when police have probable cause to believe you committed a crime and take you into custody. An arrest is not proof of anything; many arrests never lead to charges.
Being charged is a separate decision made by a prosecutor, who reviews the evidence and files formal accusations with the court — by complaint, information, or grand jury indictment. Prosecutors can decline to charge, file fewer or different charges than the arrest suggested, or drop charges later.
A conviction comes only at the end: a guilty plea you enter, or a guilty verdict after trial. Until then you are presumed innocent, and the government must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Only a conviction results in a sentence or a criminal record of guilt.
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This is general legal information, not legal advice, and laws vary by state. For guidance on your situation, consult a licensed criminal defense attorney where your case is filed.